Diagnostics target exceeded as waitlists fall 21 per cent

Health Minister Simeon Brown announced that Health New Zealand delivered more than the Government’s target of 75,000 additional procedures across radiology, colonoscopy, cardiac, and colposcopy services over the past year. The achievement follows a Government commitment to clear long-standing waitlists, with Health New Zealand prioritising capacity expansion and efficiency. Brown highlighted that the reductions were driven by increased service delivery rather than simply processing existing backlogs.

Waitlists for CT and MRI scans fell significantly, with nearly half of the CT waitlist and a third of the MRI waitlist cleared in twelve months. Despite a 10% rise in urgent referrals, the system managed to reduce wait times, demonstrating improved productivity. The Government attributed the progress to the $65 million Diagnostic Improvement Plan, which aimed to address critical diagnostic delays in 2025/26.

The plan leveraged both public hospital capacity and private providers to deliver more diagnostic services, with expanded training places in radiology, echo-sonography, nurse colposcopy, and nurse endoscopy. New data platforms were also introduced to better manage demand and future-proof the system. Health New Zealand acknowledged the role of frontline staff and union engagement in maximising clinic availability.

While waitlists have fallen by 21% overall, Health New Zealand acknowledged that too many New Zealanders remain on waitlists for too long. The Government stated that the focus will now shift to sustaining and building on these gains, with plans to increase scans and tests further in the coming year. Brown emphasised that the results prove what can be achieved when the health system prioritises delivery and accountability.