16441 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 15 May 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	16441 (2026)
Question asked:	19 Apr 2026
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	11 May 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_16441_2026
Document guid:	746c799d-6fc4-4441-b147-35d082f76d0c

16441 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Will providers of outsourced ophthalmology be required to provide equitable access for cataract services across districts, if so what weighting, if any, will this requirement be given?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that all Health New Zealand districts are required to consider equity of access when allocating patients for all outsourced surgical procedures. This includes consideration of proximity of the provider to the patient, available transport arrangements, and provider facilities.