Children aged 0-14 years make up 22% of the entire West Coast population. With almost 50% of
usually resident West Coast children residing in NZDep 8, 9 and 10 areas it is not surprising that
the health of West Coast children could be improved.
Health service utilisation data for the West Coast identifies areas of particular concern, where there
are poorer health outcomes when compared to the national outcomes. These areas are low birth
weight babies, asthma admissions and readmissions, and population preventable hospitalisations.
The leading causes of hospitalisation for West Coast babies is feeding difficulties, while 1-14 year
old are admitted for injury, tooth decay, respiratory infections, gastroenteritis and viral infections
the leading causes
The scope of this Child Health Plan is to make recommendations to the West Coast District Health
Board in regard to addressing the health needs of the West Coast population aged 0-14 years and in
reducing inequalities in health outcomes occurring in this population.