16987 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 18 May 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	16987 (2026)
Question asked:	21 Apr 2026
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	12 May 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_16987_2026
Document guid:	8e1fd0a0-764f-43a7-823c-db026ecfd4a0

16987 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Further to reply 12088 (2026), has a documented triage framework for MRI services in the event of a helium supply disruption been developed; if not, by what date will one be completed?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that in the event of a disruption to helium supplies, Health New Zealand would consider the need to triage and prioritise MRI services to ensure continuity of clinically critical imaging. I am further advised that any such approach would be guided by considerations of clinical risk, patient safety, and system resilience.