1376 (2025). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health

1376 (2025). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health: Does the Minister have data on the amount of GP referrals, for specialist mental health services, being declined; if not, what, if anything, will he do to address this?

Hon Matt Doocey: I am advised that Health New Zealand captures and uses data to monitor services and to make service improvements. However, this information in isolation is not a meaningful indicator of service access. Referrals from General Practice may be declined if another service is more appropriate, or on the basis of clinical criteria and guidelines. I expect Health NZ to consider any necessary improvements to service pathways.