Promoting healthy lifestyles

Press, 1 June 1989, Page 41

Promoting healthy lifestyles

For many years the Canterbury Hospital Board has provided hospital and other health care facilities. To some extent this could be described as providing the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. The new Canterbury Area Health Board will, however, be actively promoting the concept of a healthier Canterbury. In tact, the new board has developed a mission statement: “Towards a healthier Canterbury for and with the people.” In recognition of the Government’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi, the new board acknowledges health and the environment as Taonga (treasured possessions). The objectives of the new board are: • To promote, protect and conserve public health and provide equitable, accessible and quality health services. • To work for and

with the community through effective linkages to establish health needs and establish priorities. O To establish and maintain a balance in the provision and use of resources for health pro-

motion, treatment, education and appropriate community health needs. ® To provide for effective co-ordination between public, private and voluntary organisations. • To audit the performance of activities,

including their accessibility, outcomes, efficiency and effectiveness. • To act as the advocate for the acquisition of resources to maintain progress in achieving the board’s mission statements.