23960 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 11 Aug 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	23960 (2025)
Question asked:	20 May 2025
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	05 Aug 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_23960_2025
Document guid:	5382c7ba-faff-4629-9b57-c03357488303

23960 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What is the average waiting time for surgical procedures at Southland Hospital as of May 2025, and how does this compare to November 2023?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that the average wait time for surgical procedures at Southland Hospital as of May 2025 is 193 days, compared with 156 days in November 2023. By comparison, the average wait time increased by 25 per cent between November 2021 and May 2023. Too many Kiwis have been waiting too long for life-changing procedures, which is why our Government has brought back the health targets and is delivering initiatives such as the Elective Boost to put patients first.