The report released today on how our local DHB is doing makes for sober reading (NZ Herald Friday 27). Of the 21 DHB surveyed in New Zealand Bay of Plenty DHB came last in Diabetes and Cardiovascular Services, last in increased immunisation, 2nd to last in improved access to Elective surgery and 17th out of 21 for better assistance for smokers to quit. In fact we only made the top ten of any surveyed areas with shorter waits for cancer treatment, where we rated 7th. Overall we polled an overwhelmingly last.
Surely it is time for a change in our local DHB Board elected members if this is what they have achieved on their watch?
Tommy Kapai, Te Puna.