The DHB is required to prepare, and agree with the Minister of Health, a number of planning and accountability documents.  The figure below shows those that DHB is responsible for and how these documents inter-relate and fit in the broader accountability environment:

Health Needs Assessment (or Analysis) – is the analysis of the community’s utilisation of health services, their morbidity and mortality and other components which provide the DHB with a picture of the health needs of the community served.  Counties Manukau DHB developed a comprehensive Health Profile (or health needs assessment) in 2001/02 which is updated annually.

District Strategic Plan – has a 5 to 10 year focus and is developed based on the health needs assessment, the New Zealand Health and Disability Strategies, feedback from the community as part of a formal consultation process and progress and changes since the previous District Strategic Plan. This document is reviewed every 3 years.

District Annual Plan - has a one year focus, but also considers the subsequent two years.  This document is based on the strategic direction described in the District Strategic Plan.

Crown Funding Agreement – is the contract between the DHB and the Minister of Health which links the District Annual Plan to the funding provided by the Minister of Health and the performance required from the DHB.

Statement of Intent – has a three year focus and is the formal accountability document between the DHB and parliament.  The performance against the financial and non-financial expectations described in the Statement of Intent are reported at year end in the Annual Report.

The DHB also develops planning documents which provide more detailed strategies for priority areas and programmes or initiatives e.g. Let’s Beat Diabetes Plan, Māori Health Plan, and the Youth Health Plan.  These plans also assist in the development of the District Strategic Plan and District Annual Plan.