New Zealand Executive Government News Release Archive

“More than 1,800 people on waiting lists will be offered procedures as a result of the latest allocation from the Government’s Waiting Times Fund aimed at reducing New Zealand’s public hospital waiting lists,” announced the Minister of Health Jenny Shipley today.

The Waiting Times Fund Advisory Group considered seven more applications at their third meeting last week.

“I have approved in principle additional procedures which include coronary angioplasty, orthopaedic specialist assessments and treatment, and ear nose and throat specialist assessments and treatment,” said Mrs Shipley.

The following areas benefit from this latest allocation:

NORTH HEALTH

· 256 hip and knee replacement operations
· 538 other orthopaedic operations

These will be undertaken for people in the South and West Auckland areas at South Auckland Health.

MIDLAND HEALTH

· 200 ear, nose and throat assessments at Western Bay Health for people in the Western Bay of Plenty area.
· 161 ear, nose and throat operations at Western Bay Health for people in the Western Bay of Plenty area.
· 305 orthopaedic assessments at Western Bay Health for people in the Western Bay of Plenty area.
· 297 orthopaedic operations at Western Bay Health for people in the Western Bay of Plenty area.

SOUTHERN RHA

· 99 coronary angioplasty operations at Healthcare Otago for people in the southern region. (announced in media statement of 21/8/96 Southern Operations Contract signed)

“Final details have still to be finalised.

“Today’s announcements are in addition to the funding already announced for nearly 3000 extra operations and assessments,” concluded Mrs Shipley.

Inquiries: RHA Communication Managers.

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