Lakeland Health Plans To Reach Break-even

Health Minister Bill English said today he had supported Lakeland Health's business plan for the year and noted that for the first time ever the hospital was forecasting to reach a break-even point from this financial year.

"Key points in the 1998/99 business plan are that the hospital is planning to reach break-even point for the next three years and that a new maternity unit is planned.

"Getting Lakeland Health on to a sound financial footing will be a significant achievement for the board and will mean that people of Rotorua and surrounding areas can have certainty and security about their health services into the future.

"Current highlights include:

- better than expected financial performance in the 1997/98 year
- refurbished wing at Rotorua Hospital converted to assessment and consultation rooms for specialists increased communication and cooperation among groups involved as a result of the draft proposal for an integrated care pilot
- cost saving initiatives instituted as part of the Leading Edge 2000 best practice project.

"I am confident that Lakeland Health is in a sound position to continue providing good health services for the people of Rotorua," said Mr English.