Canterbury District Health Board

Health board in New Zealand

Logo of the Canterbury District Health Board

The Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) was a district health board in New Zealand, responsible for providing and funding public health and disability services in the Canterbury Region. It was established in 2001 and was one of the largest health boards in New Zealand, serving a population of over 600,000 people.

History

The Canterbury District Health Board was established under the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000, which restructured the country's health system. The CDHB was tasked with improving, promoting, and protecting the health of the people in the Canterbury region.

In 2010 and 2011, the Canterbury region was significantly affected by a series of earthquakes, which had a profound impact on the health services in the area. The CDHB played a crucial role in the emergency response and the subsequent recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Services

The CDHB provided a wide range of health services, including hospital and specialist services, community and public health services, and primary health care. The board operated several hospitals, including Christchurch Hospital, which is the largest tertiary, teaching, and research hospital in the South Island.

Hospitals

• Christchurch Hospital: The main hospital in the region, providing a comprehensive range of services including emergency care, surgery, and specialist medical services.
• Burwood Hospital: Specializes in rehabilitation and older persons' health services.
• Hillmorton Hospital: Focuses on mental health services.
• Ashburton Hospital: Provides a range of services to the Ashburton district.

Governance

The CDHB was governed by a board of eleven members, seven of whom were elected by the public, and four appointed by the Minister of Health. The board was responsible for setting the strategic direction and ensuring the delivery of health services in the region.

Challenges

The CDHB faced several challenges, including managing the aftermath of the earthquakes, addressing the health needs of an aging population, and dealing with financial constraints. Despite these challenges, the board was recognized for its innovative approaches to health care delivery and its focus on integrated care.

Dissolution

In 2022, the New Zealand government restructured the health system, leading to the dissolution of all district health boards, including the CDHB. The functions and responsibilities of the CDHB were transferred to Health New Zealand, a new national health organization.

Related pages

• Health New Zealand
• Christchurch Hospital
• 2010 Canterbury earthquake