A key part of the initiative involves providing information systems and service delivery support to GP practices.
"I think we also have to put this target result in perspective by acknowledging that our primary health colleagues are working very hard to make sure patients receive cardiovascular risk assessments," said Mrs Patterson.
"The fact they have improved from 59 per cent in quarter one in 2012/13 to 73 per cent in Quarter 2 in 2013/14, illustrates this well."
In the meantime, a highlight was achieving 3 per cent above the 90 per cent immunisation target. WDHB maternal child and youth portfolio manager Jon Buchan said it was "a reflection on the parents and whanau who clearly understand that immunisations do protect their children from preventable diseases".
"The recent outbreak of measles has demonstrated just how easily infections can spread.
"We will continue to urge all parents to check what immunisations their children have received and remember that immunisations are free to children and young adults up to the age of 18."
WDHB Health promotion professional adviser Lauren Tamehana is equally delighted that Wanganui Hospital reached the 95 per cent target for better help for smokers to quit.
"We've done well with this target over the last five quarters and primary care providers have to be applauded for their success in dramatically lifting their results towards their 90 per cent target," said Mrs Tamehana.
Over the past five quarters they had jumped from 35 per cent to 82 per cent, she said.
"Health professionals across the sector are determined to bring Whanganui District's smoking rates down. We know asking people if they smoke and would like help and support to quit is helping us achieve that."
Mrs Patterson said thanks must go out to all staff involved.
She said while the WDHB consistently did well in the shorter stays in emergency departments, improved access to elective surgery and shorter waits for cancer treatment, it should not be taken for granted.
"All the staff who were involved in meeting or surpassing these three targets deserve high praise," she said.
"Our ED target goes a long way to reinforcing this. Thanks to those who admit, discharge or transfer patients from ED within the six-hour target we consistently score well and know that our patients have a safe, efficient journey through the entire hospital system."