8842 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

8842 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Have any changes been made to the operating hours of medical laboratory services at any of the public hospitals listed on the Ministry of Health website since 27 November 2023, and if so, what were the changes to those hours, listed by hospital, the date on which those hours changed, and the impact on hours?

Hon Simeon Brown: Our Government is focused on delivering timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders. I am advised that no such changes have been undertaken, except for two adjustments to phlebotomy clinic hours to optimise service delivery. Thames Hospital expanded its clinic hours from 8:30am - 4:00pm to 8:15am - 4:15pm on 10 March 2025, enhancing patient access. At Te Kūiti Hospital, from 25 January 2025, the clinic now operates from 8:00am - 3:30pm, ensuring continued service within available staffing levels.