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Data on how well district health boards (DHBs) are performing shows that many are failing to meet their targets.

The first quarterly results of the Government's new health targets will be published tomorrow in newspapers and on the Ministry of Health website.

The results showed some DHBs were failing, TVNZ reported tonight.

Fifteen of 21 DHBs were not meeting a target of 95 percent of emergency department patients being seen within six hours.

Only one DHB was meeting its targets in helping patients quit smoking, while 11 were failing to get enough children immunised.

Nearly all DHBs were meeting six week waiting times for cancer treatment and half were improving access to elective surgery.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said the public wanted accountability from DHBs.

"Public scrutiny helps improve performance and accountability. That is why, for the first time, we are letting people know how their DHBs are doing in key areas," Mr Ryall said.

"These tables provide measures to focus boards, managers and health staff on improving performance in these priority areas."

Three targets focus on hospital performance:

* Shorter stays in emergency departments;

* Improved access to elective surgery, and

* Shorter waits for cancer treatment radiotherapy.

The other three targets focus on preventive measures:

* Increased immunisation

* Better help for smokers to quit, and

* Better diabetes and cardiovascular services.

- NZPA