The Wairarapa District Health Board was created on January 1, 2001 after the Government passed legislation to change to way the health sector worked, to promote decentralised accountability for the health status of each area . A total of 21 district health boards now manage funding for their particular regions, replacing the functions of the defunct Health Funding Authorities. This has created more local focus on the use of Government money allocated for essential health and disability services.
Each of the DHBs covering New Zealand are responsible for improving, promoting and protecting the health of the populations they serve.
The Wairarapa DHB works closely with the DHBs in the central north island region, as close co-operation ensures the region is well served for health services.
What does the District Health Board do?
Essentially, the DHB's role is to decide on the mix, level and quality of health and disability services to be publicly funded in the Wairarapa district. It then enters into agreements with providers for the delivery of those services.
As well as this, the DHB is responsible for funding the delivery of health services by providers such as GPs, Maori and Pacific groups, pharmacies, laboratories, dental services, disability services and mental health providers, as well as our hospital and community services.
Some other services are included under the WDHB umbrella,. such as ambulance services, in conjunction with St John volunteers, and Biomedical Services, a subsidiary company that services a wide range of clients throughout New Zealand.
What are the DHB's core functions and how does it make decisions on health services?
The core functions of the board are:
- To improve and protect health
- To promote the care, support and independence of people with disabilities
- To reduce the differences between the health of population groups, particularly between Maori and non-Maori
- To encourage community participation in health improvement and health planning
The board achieves these goals by first carrying out a health needs analysis of the region. The first was completed in 2001, and the second
was completed in December 2004. The results of this research helps the board to prioritise work and set funding programmes. The research also tells us how the Wairarapa population is made up, and what the needs are in terms of health services.
Decisions, therefore, are now based on the careful analysis of local needs, planning and consultation.
How is money allocated to the Wairarapa DHB?
Each year, the DHB receives money from the government based on the number of people in our district.
This funding is channelled by the DHB so that the issues identified as priorities in the Health Needs Analysis are addressed. Local population mix and need are taken into account when the WDHB develops future funding allocations.
What is The Crown Funding Agreement?
The Crown Funding agreement specifies the amount of money that the government will grant to the Wairarapa. This agreement applies from July 1 each year until June 30 the following year. In that time, this agreement ensures that key performance areas are tackled, including:
- ensuring funding systems are in place
- building partnerships with Maori
- establishing a regional programme
- undertaking needs analysis of the population
- consulting with key stakeholders
- developing the Strategic Plan
