The government is extending the term for the commissioner-led team in charge of the Southern District Health Board.

Earlier this year the government sacked the board in charge of the organisation, appointing a commissioner and three deputies in its place.

Now the commissioner-led team is being given extra time to turn the cash-strapped organisation around.

Already the SDHB's forecast annual deficit has been reduced by several million dollars.

It's now expected to be around $36m for the current financial year.

The commissioner's term is being extended to the end of 2019.

That's when a new board should be elected.