Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman

Minister of Health

26 May 2016 Media Statement
Budget 2016: $32m extra for Southern DHB

New funding for Southern DHB in Budget 2016 increases the DHB’s total allocation to a record level, says Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.

Southern DHB will receive an extra $32 million in new money this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $884 million for 2016/17. That’s an extra $194 million in funding over the last eight years.

“Delivering better health services remains this Government’s number one funding priority,” says Dr Coleman.

“The Government’s investment in health will reach a record $16.1 billion in 2016/17. An extra $568 million will be invested for 2016/17 - the biggest increase in seven years, and almost $170 million more than last year.

“DHBs will benefit from an extra $1.6 billion over four years to invest in services, improve access, and to meet cost pressures and population changes.

“This investment in Budget 2016 will help New Zealanders continue to access the healthcare they need. The new Health Strategy sets the direction for a more integrated and patient-centred system. We want more services delivered in the community, with more prevention and self-management.”

This extra funding over the next four years includes:

• $124 million for Pharmac to provide more access to new medicines.

• $96 million to provide more elective surgery, a key Government priority.

• $39.3 million to start the roll-out of a bowel screening programme.

• $42 million for vulnerable groups:

o $18 million to expand the Healthy Homes Initiative which aims to reduce preventable diseases in young children;

o $12 million to increase support for primary care and social services to enable people to access mental health help earlier;

o $12 million to expand a successful programme which provides intensive alcohol and drug support for pregnant women.

ENDS

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