New Zealand’s health system is showing continued improvement, with the latest results indicating progress across all five Government health targets, according to Health Minister Simeon Brown.
The latest figures show that more people are receiving care sooner, waiting times are reducing, and healthcare services are delivering a higher volume of treatments compared with the same period last year.
Improvements were recorded across planned care, specialist services, childhood immunisation, emergency department performance, and cancer treatment. The results show that a greater proportion of patients are receiving timely care, helping reduce pressure on the health system and improving outcomes for communities.
Elective treatment performance improved, with more patients receiving procedures within the target timeframe. First specialist assessments also increased, allowing more people to access expert medical care faster.
Childhood immunisation rates continued to rise, with more children fully protected by 24 months compared with the previous year. Emergency department services also improved, with more patients being admitted, discharged, or transferred within the targeted timeframe.
Cancer treatment delivery saw further progress as more patients received their first treatment within the required period after a decision to treat. The increase reflects continued efforts to strengthen cancer services and reduce delays for patients.
The health system also delivered more care overall, including a higher number of specialist assessments, elective treatments, cancer treatments, and childhood vaccinations compared with the previous year.
Health Minister Simeon Brown said the results demonstrate steady progress and show the impact of keeping patients at the centre of healthcare delivery. While further improvements are needed, the latest figures indicate that ongoing efforts are helping create faster and more accessible care for New Zealanders.
