What is a DHB?
District Health Boards (DHBs) are responsible for providing, or funding the provision of, health and disability services in their district. There are 21 DHBs in New Zealand. The statutory objectives of DHBs include: • improving, promoting and protecting the health of communities • promoting the integration of health services, especially primary and secondary care services • promoting effective care or support of those in need of personal health services or disability support. Other DHB objectives include promoting the inclusion and participation in society and independence of people with disabilities, reducing health disparities by improving health outcomes for Maori and other population groups, and to reduce toward elimination, health outcome disparities between various population groups. DHBs are expected to show a sense of social responsibility, to foster community participation in health improvement, and to uphold the ethical and quality standards commonly expected of providers of
