The Government has increased the Bay of Plenty District Health Board's funding by around $21 million in this year's Budget, to a total of around $577 million.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says "Vote Health is the single biggest item of new operating spending in Budget 2010, reflecting this Government's commitment to protect and improve frontline health services for New Zealanders."

"Altogether, the Government has announced an additional $2.1 billion investment in health priorities over the next four years - including $512 million in 2010/11."

"Of that $512 million, around $407 million is going to DHBs. The balance will go towards national programmes such as the bowel cancer screening pilot, mental health, extra elective surgery, additional cochlear implants, and an increase in disability support funding."

"This is a significant funding increase, despite the difficult economic situation. It will help protect our public health service in real terms against inflation and population growth."