The Canterbury District Health Board (Canterbury DHB) has been successful in achieving its national health targets. These targets are laid by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in order to provide improved health services to the general public. The targets included shorter stays in emergency departments, smoking, immunization, diabetes, cardiovascular services and shorter waits for critical cancer treatment and elective surgeries.

Canterbury DHB Chief Executive David Meates said that they have put in a lot of effort in achieving the results. Although, 400 operations and above 1000 outpatient appointments were postponed, yet they were successful in delivering 100% of its planned elective operations.

A `quit smoking programme' was executed to help and advice smokers to quit smoking. However, 70% of smokers received counseling. Furthermore, better services are ensured to diabetic and cardiac patients.

Although the Emergency Department was not able to achieve its national targets but elective surgeries were delivered efficiently. Mr. Meates added that they will continue to show steady improvements for the Emergency Department.

Dr Chamberlain said, "Our immunization rate shows slow progress, we are working with primary health organizations to improve immunization uptake but this has yet to show through an increase in number of children fully immunized by two".