8834 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

8834 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Have any changes been made from on-site staffed coverage to an on-call system for radiology / imaging services at any of the public hospitals listed on the Ministry of Health website since 27 November 2023, and if so, what were those changes, listed by hospital, the date on which those changes took effect, and the impact on staffing?

Hon Simeon Brown: Our Government is focused on delivering timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders. I am advised that at Wellington Hospital, from January 2025, two MITs are now rostered on night shift from 11:00pm Sunday to 7:00am Thursday, and a second on-call registrar is available on weekends and public holidays to better support the increasing out-of-hours workload. At Southland Hospital, from February 2024, a CT MIT night shift was introduced, ensuring 24/7 on-site coverage for both CT and x-ray services. At Whanganui Hospital, since January 2025, the on-call radiology service has moved on-site, with staff numbers increasing by 2 FTE to strengthen service delivery. At Hutt Hospital, from February 2025, radiologist SMOs will provide on-site coverage until 5:00pm, with resources prioritised to ensure continued access to essential radiology services.