DHBs need 'Get Checked' wake-up call

The Diabetes 'Get Checked' programmes in Waitemata and Northland needs urgent focus, says National Party Associate Health spokeswoman Jackie Blue.

She believes the information which has been provided to Parliament's Health Select Committee was deceptively positive.

"The reality is that the Northland and Waitemata 'Get Checked' programmes are not delivering. They are the worst of the 21 DHBs, with only 44% of Northland people with diabetes being checked, and only 45% in Waitemata."

The 'Get Checked' programme provides an annual check for diabetics. It began in 2000 and was assessed by the Auditor General in June 2007 after concerns were raised

"The Auditor General assessed six DHBs, but did not cover off Northland or Waitemata, the largest of all 21 DHBs.

"Auckland and Counties got pass marks from the Auditor General with an estimated 81% and 68% of people with diabetes getting checked.

"But it appears Waitemata is failing across the board, with a marked drop in all groups, including Maori, Pacific Island and non Maori. Northland's drop-off was most apparent among Maori.

"Diabetes is a major health issue and reducing the effect of this disease is an urgent health priority," Dr Blue says.



Subject: 19608 (2007) Published - Health - Normal Reply

Question: With respect to the PowerPoint graph presented to the health select committee November 2007 titled " Increase enrolment in Diabetes Get Checked" for each of the years covered, for each District Health Board (DHB) what is the percentage of their population with diabetes which has enrolled in Get Checked and what is the breakdown for their Maori and Pacific Island populations?

Portfolio: Health
Minister: Hon David Cunliffe
Date Lodged:28/11/2007

Click to download Get Checked table (Excel spreadsheet)