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Waikato DHB delivers more electivesMore than 12,300 patients have had elective surgery from Waikato DHB in the last financial year, which has contributed to a record increase around the country. Releasing the 2009/10 elective surgery totals, Health Minister Tony Ryall says, "Waikato DHB provided 963 extra patients with elective operations last year compared with the previous year. That is an increase of around 8%. "The totals include 1,519 orthopaedic operations, 1,854 ophthalmology operations, 1,733 ear nose and throat operations, and 2,129 general surgery operations. "Throughout New Zealand, 138,443 patients had elective surgery in the last financial year, which is 8,600 more people than the previous financial year. "The nationwide increase is more than four times the previous government's average annual increase. "This government has made improving access to elective surgery a top priority. As part of the push to deliver more frontline health services, Waikato DHB is getting an extra $39 million this financial year," says Mr Ryall. "This result is a credit to the staff of Waikato DHB for delivering this increase in patients getting elective surgery." ENDS Date: 31 August 2010Media contact: Antony Byers 04 817 9648 or 021 241 7449 |