In 2010 a programme of National Services was endorsed by the Minister of Health, where it was identified that a national, co-ordinated, approach was required for particular health services. 

Services were considered for National Service status where they are provided in one or two DHBs for highly complex and/or high cost care, to improve access, consistency, level of investment, and clinical and financial viability. Two different approaches are in place to achieve this.

National Services – services that should be nationally planned and/or funding centrally by the Ministry of Health

National Service Improvement Programmes – services that require action from the centre to lift DHB performance, but are not requiring the additional step of Ministry purchasing – the focus is on centrally co-ordinated performance improvement activities