4993 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

4993 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What actions, if any, have been taken to increase the use of community ultrasound for rapid diagnosis of ovarian cancer and on what date did these happen?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that as of 30 September 2025, the Community Radiology Service has enabled consistent access to pelvic ultrasound across the country. The new evidence-based national clinical criteria allows general practitioners, urgent care physicians, and primary and urgent care nurse practitioners to refer patients directly for pelvic ultrasound to support the rapid diagnosis of ovarian cancer.