Collaboration between the West Coast and Nelson Marlborough District Health Boards could now extend to include Canterbury District Health Board.
This follows the announcement in early May 2009 that Nelson Marlborough and West Coast DHBs were seeking greater levels of collaboration both to effect cost savings and to support clinical delivery.
"Investigations undertaken by independent consultants have reached a preliminary conclusion that there are limited gains to be made in the sharing of non-clinical management and operational functions. The benefits are to some extent offset by the tyranny of distance. However, there are more fruitful opportunities in the clinical area," says Suzanne Win, chair, Nelson Marlborough DHB.
Canterbury and West Coast DHBs have had a long term clinical relationship and Nelson Marlborough has had the same with both Canterbury and Wellington DHBs. The preliminary discussions and investigations have indicated further opportunities that could conceivably extend between the three DHBs.
"What has become obvious is that time and care needs to be taken to identify the opportunities and structure programmes and relationships that derive tangible benefits. Much of the success will come from familiarity and trust relationships between the people involved. This is as important, if not more important than systems and processes" said Rex Williams, Chair of West Coast DHB.
Subject to agreement by the Canterbury Board at its meeting on July 10, it is proposed that a working party be established including the CEs of Nelson Marlborough, West Coast and Canterbury DHBs. The working party will examine, in detail, collaborative opportunities in management systems, clinical services, governance and primary care.
Chair of the Canterbury DHB, Alister James said that the Canterbury DHB looked forward to continuing to build on the strong relationships that had have been established with both the West Coast and Nelson Marlborough DHBs.
Please note: A new websection has been created which will contain important DHB Collaboration updates Simply click here to go to this collaboration section.
For more information please contact
Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: