Capital and Coast District Health Board’s new initiatives, part of health targets introduced by the Government, are already showing positive results.

Chief executive Ken Whelan said there had been improvements in Emergency Department patient waiting times, radiation treatment and immunization rates. Additional signage, promotional material and marketing were also part of the plan to increase awareness.

Mr. Whelan said that the DHB began implementation of an action plan, which included several initiatives to promote services to help smokers leave the habit.

Greatest improvement in childhood immunization rates has been reported by Lakes DHB.

73% of two-year-olds in Lakes DHB have been fully immunized. The Government has set a target of 85% of two-year-olds fully immunized by July 2010, 90% by July 2011 and 95% July 2012.

The NZMA said that the differences in performance across DHBs were unacceptable and that the Government should try to eliminate these differences through central coordination a priority.

“At present we are a long way from providing equitable health delivery to patients”, NZMA Chair Pete Foley said.