13318 (2026). Tākuta Ferris to the Minister of Health

13318 (2026). Tākuta Ferris to the Minister of Health: What monitoring is undertaken by Health New Zealand to ensure compliance with national cancer treatment timeframes in the Southern region, and what actions are triggered when those timeframes are not met?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that as part of our focus on putting patients first and ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare, Health New Zealand monitors compliance with national cancer treatment timeframes through a combination of routine performance reporting, data analysis, and regional performance oversight. Health NZ also tracks each region’s performance against the Faster Cancer Treatment (FCT) health target through weekly monitoring. This data is reviewed at local, regional, and national levels. I am further advised that where performance concerns are identified by Health NZ for any region, including South Island Region, escalation processes may be triggered. These include increased performance scrutiny, more frequent reporting requirements, or other interventions as appropriate. When needed, internal support, such as performance improvement teams or targeted assistance, may be deployed to help address specific issues.