MDHB's Health Priorities

MidCentral DHB has identified 10 priority areas for the next 10 years. This follows an analysis of the district's current health status, MidCentral's projected future health needs and what will make the greatest impact towards improving the health of the district's population overall.

All new monies received wil be invested in these prority areas' while the everyday purchase and provision of health and disability services (currently valued at around $447 million) will continue.

Cancer

Cancer is a MidCentral DHB health priority because it is the second most common cause of death (27%) within MidCentral’s district (cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death).
Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a health priority because it is the most common cause of death (43%) for MidCentral residents and the leading cause of all hospitalisations excluding pregnancy and childbirth.
Child and Youth Health

Poor health in childhood can lead to poorer health in adult years, which is why MidCentral District Health Board believes focusing on child and youth healthis an investment in the future health and wellbeing of the district.
Diabetes

Nationally, diabetes is on the increase and it is disease which, increases the risk of developing other more serious diseases. This is why diabetes is one of MDHB's health priority areas.
Health of Older Persons

The health of older persons is one of MDHB's health priority areas becasue as people get older the likelihood of developing a major illness or acquiring a disability increases.
Maori Health

Maori Health is one of MDHB's health priority areas because Maori have significantly poorer health status than the rest of New Zealanders.
Mental Health

Mental Health is a health priority for MidCentral District Health Board because approximately 20% of the population at any one time is estimated to have diagnosable mental illness.
Oral Health

This is one of MidCentral DHB's health priority areas because clear inequalities exist in the oral health of New Zealand children. Maori and Pacific children and those from low socioeconomic status families are particularly disadvantaged.
Respiratory Disease

Respiratory disease is a health priority because it is the third most common cause of death (9%) within MidCentral’s district and many risk factors are preventable.
Rural Health

This is a health priority area because there are many rural communities in the MidCentral district.
Other Health Priorities

MidCentral District Health Board has also identified other health priority areas, for example the district's health needs in regard to maternity and depression services.