Health Targets should be seen within the context of the broader health priority that they are part of. They are indicative of progress in a wider range of services provided in each priority area. The Targets are also one part of a comprehensive performance management and accountability system in the health sector. They are designed to challenge the health system as a whole to continue to do better.
Where appropriate, each DHB has negotiated local targets taking into account local conditions and the health needs of their communities. While each DHB has a local target, they will collectively contribute to a national improvement in those target areas.
Health targets are the joint responsibility of the Ministry of Health and DHBs. If each DHB achieves its target or makes positive progress, the performance of the country as a whole will improve. The Ministry of Health is assisting to do this and providing leadership through a ‘champion’ for each target.