Editorial: Bravo, health board

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When something goes wrong, district health boards attract significant attention.

When something goes right, they should also attract attention.

Northland District Health Board, Te Tai Tokerau Primary Health Organisation (PHO) and Manaia Health PHO's joint initiative to provide free healthcare to Northland kids aged 6-12, ahead of the government's proposed July 2015 timeframe, should be celebrated for its initiative.

About 16,000 Northland children and their families will benefit.

It is anticipated that the $450,000 investment will return benefits through less hospital admissions for conditions such as rheumatic fever that have links to overcrowded family living conditions prevalent in some Northland communities.

Free GP visits - prescriptions are also free, by the way - may even extend to include young adults, with a desire to provide greater access to mental health treatment - something that can start with a chat with a GP.

By removing the financial barrier, this initiative will also grow relationships between health professionals and their communities.

It is comforting that our health agencies and providers are confident in their analysis of the region's challenges, to step onto the front foot, ahead of time, rather then sit back and wait for the government funding to arrive. It is an approach that, if the budget allows, should be encouraged, and applauded.