More Bay of Plenty patients are benefiting from orthopaedic surgery, Health Minister Tony Ryall has said today.
"In the last five years, 1205 extra Bay of Plenty patients have received orthopaedic surgery since 2008. 599 of these patients were aged over 65," said Mr Ryall.
Mr Ryall said every orthopaedic operation had a big impact on the wellbeing of a patient.
"Orthopaedic operations make a real difference to patients and their families - they can reduce pain, help restore independence and greatly improve quality of life," he said.
Mr Ryall said district health boards delivered 23,000 orthopaedic surgeries across the country last year, including a record 9700 hip and knee operations.
"In the last five years, district health boards have delivered around 4000 more hip and knee operations above level delivered in 2008."
He said the increase had been made possible due to the National-led coalition government's commitment to prioritising health spending despite tight times.
"In many developed nations across the globe, health spending has stagnated due to the economic climate - however in New Zealand, Vote Health has increased by an average $500 million a year."