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Health Targets

Better diabetes and cardiovascular services


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What is the target?


  1. Increased percent of the eligible adult population will have had their CVD risk assessed in the last five years.
  2. Increased percent of people with diabetes will attend free annual checks.
  3. Increased percent of people with diabetes will have satisfactory or better diabetes management.

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Why is this target area important?


Long term conditions comprises the major health burden for New Zealand now and into the foreseeable future. This group of conditions is the leading cause of morbidity in New Zealand, and disproportionately affects Māori and Pacific peoples. As the population ages, and lifestyles change, these conditions are likely to increase significantly.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes heart attacks and strokes - which are both substantially preventable with lifestyle advice and treatment for those at moderate or higher risk. The indicator monitors the proportion of the eligible population who have had the blood tests for CVD risk assessment (including the blood tests to screen for diabetes) in the preceding five year period.

Diabetes is important as a major and increasing cause of disability and premature death, and it is also a good indicator of the responsiveness of a health service for people in most need. The two indicators monitor the access quality improvement programs in primary care, and the quality of care and risk of diabetes complications.

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Who is the Ministry of Health champion of this target?


Dr Sandy Dawson, Chief Advisor, Clinical Service Development

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Related information


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Page last updated: 22 November 2009