DHB on track

South Canterbury's district health board is one that Health Minister Tony Ryall does "not lose sleep" over.

That is what South Canterbury District Health Board (SCDHB) chairman Murray Cleverley told the board when opening its monthly meeting yesterday.

"We can still be better of course, but it's nice to have a phone call like that from the minister, because I know some chairs around the country do not get such phone calls."

However, the SCDHB is still working to improve on providing better support for smokers to quit and improving its diabetes and cardiovascular services, after nationwide targets set for these areas feel short in January.

Other targets, including improved access to elective surgery and increased immunisation rates, were met.

- © Fairfax NZ News