Health Minister Simeon Brown released a new batch of league tables yesterday, focusing on cancer treatment, childhood immunisations, stays in emergency departments and waitlists for elective procedures and first specialist assessments.
However, it showed strong progress in faster cancer treatment (82% to 83.5%) and improved immunisation (86% to 87.6%).
Association of Salaried Medical Specialists chief executive Sarah Dalton said such tables needed to be treated carefully.
"In a lot of cases, it’s margin-of-error stuff. I’m more interested in the background to the compliance rates.
"For instance, we’ve heard all sorts of horror stories about the Christchurch ED, and yet their processing compliance rate improved from 71% to 79%.
"Either people are leaving before they get turned away, or they genuinely are processing quicker, in which case they deserve a medal or at least a pay rise."
The targets were self-selected and were not necessarily what specialists would focus on.
"It’s good to have some numbers out there, but these are snapshots of snapshots."
There needed to be targets based on workforce need and time as well, she said.
"We have to find ways to stop chronic doctor and surgeon burnout," Ms Dalton said.
While she viewed these numbers as a discussion starter, she was worried they would be used as a "stick to beat our workers with".
"Conditions are dire enough."
Mr Brown welcomed the results.
"Healthcare performance in the South Island is turning a corner. Our focus remains on putting patients first and making sure more people get access to timely, quality healthcare.
"While progress is being made, too many people are still waiting too long. Our focus is on continuing to reduce waitlists, so more patients get the care they need."
