Wanganui has reached or surpassed all six of the latest national health targets and is second in the country for increased immunisation.
The results were a tribute to the professionalism and expertise of health care staff, Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) acting chief executive Brian Walden said.
WDHB surpassed five of the health targets, with 96 per cent for the 95 per cent shorter stays in emergency departments target; 106 per cent for the 100 per cent improved access to elective surgery; 97 per cent for the 95 per cent better help for smokers to quit target; and 91 per cent more for the heart and diabetes checks target.
They also achieved 95 per cent for the 90 per cent increased immunisation target, ranking them second in the country under MidCentral DHB, which had 97 per cent. WDHB were also second equal with Counties Manukau for more heart and diabetes checks.
GP John McMenamin said he was delighted with the results for more heart and diabetes checks and increased immunisation, which are led by the primary care sector.