Strategic Direction

South Canterbury DHB’s strategic direction is discussed in depth in our 10-year Strategic Plan. Other key planning and accountability documents are the Annual Plan, Statement of Intent, and Annual Report.

Since its creation in 2001 SCDHB has pursued four broad strategic aims:
1) increase investment in primary and population health initiatives,
2) maintain local hospital services,
3) improve quality,
4) maintain financial viability.

In the 10-year period leading up to 2015 SCDHB intends to build on these areas by focusing on the biggest health threat to the community: chronic disease.
▪ An estimated 70% of health care funds are spent on chronic disease.
▪ An estimated 80% of all deaths in NZ are from chronic conditions.
▪ Chronic disease contributes the major share of disparity in life expectancy between Māori, Pacific 
  and other New Zealanders.

Lifestyle is a leading cause of chronic disease and includes smoking, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity. These lifestyle choices lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease, and contribute to some cancers. The impact is increased by an aging population. If nothing changes New Zealand is heading for an epidemic that no economy can afford to treat. SCDHB will do well just to maintain current health status when it is faced with a generation of young people who may have a lower life expectancy than their parents.

SCDHB’s Health Profile shows that the health status of South Cantabrians is the same or slightly better than New Zealanders overall. This reinforces the view that it is sensible to follow national strategies and priorities in what we do. There are many of these, and SCDHB has selected the following as the key areas on which to focus.
1) Lifestyle: obesity, nutrition, physical activity, smoking (to address chronic disease)
2) Cancer (reducing its incidence and impact)
3) Child and adolescent health (to give the greatest long-term gains)
4) Inequalities.

Focusing on these areas doesn’t mean other areas will miss out, as the current planned direction and investment will continue in areas such as aged care, mental health, elective services and Māori health.