The new National Health Board within the Health Ministry says it will take the services over next financial year.

The services identified as vulnerable are clinical genetics and four specialist child health services, including paediatric pathology and cardiology.

The board says difficulties retaining specialists make the services vulnerable to any lack of coordination.

It says a second set of services, including cardiac surgery, paediatric oncology, neurosurgery and major trauma also will be co-ordinated nationally, but still funded by district health boards.

A member of the NHB, paediatrician Jeff Brown, says the move will be good for patients and provide better back-up for the services.