10264 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

10264 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter October – December 2023 to ‘Develop new, joined-up pathways to facilitate rapid diagnosis of suspected cancer, beginning in primary care to support equitable access to cancer diagnostic and treatment options’ under section 2.3 ‘Mate pukupuku | People with cancer’ within Te Whatu Ora’s Te Pae Tata: Interim New Zealand Health Plan 2022?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the October - December 2023 quarter, Health New Zealand undertook work to identify ways in which community referred radiology could be used to deliver better access to services closer to home. The objective is to allow for faster diagnosis, including for suspected cancer, while also promoting more equitable access to services.