More people presenting to the Tauranga and Whakatane Emergency Departments were treated and discharged within six hours, according to the latest quarterly national health target results.
During the October-December 2016 quarter, more than 96 per cent of patients across the two hospitals were seen within the Ministry of Health's six-hour target waiting time.
The ministry expects 95 per cent of patients will be admitted, discharged, or transferred from an ED within six hours. This measure indicates how efficiently acute/urgent patients flow through the hospital.
Even more pleasing for the Bay of Plenty District Health Board is the fact the result was achieved despite ever-increasing numbers attending the two EDs, says chief executive Helen Mason.
'This is our best ever result and is testament to great co-operation and co-ordination across our two hospitals, to meet the needs of our acute care patients.
'This result has been achieved during a time when acute care pressure was high with record numbers of people presenting. There were often more than 200 people presenting daily at our two EDs. I would like to thank all staff involved in achieving this great result for our patients.”
Over the past 10 years there has been a 40 per cent increase in the number of patients presenting to both EDs. In December 2006 a total of 4787 patients were seen, compared with 6683 in December 2016.
Record numbers came to Tauranga Hospital's ED in the week leading up to Christmas last year and this pattern continued into the first days of 2017.
On New Year's Day, 208 people presented and the following day, January 2, the highest ever number of people seen at Tauranga ED was recorded with 221 people coming through its doors.
Hospital EDs assess and treat patients who have serious injuries or illnesses. If you are unsure whether your condition is an emergency phone your GP's number, any time of the day or night.
If your GP is not available your call will be automatically redirected to a registered nurse who will give you the health advice you need.
Visitors to the Western Bay, or those who are not registered with a GP, can call 0800 367 432584 (0800 FORHEALTH). Visitors to the Eastern Bay, or those who are not registered with a GP, should call 07-306-2360.
For more information about the Ministry of Health's National health Targets, visit www.health.govt.nz
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