27027 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

27027 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Does the change to the bowel-screening measure represent a lowering of the performance expectation?

Hon Simeon Brown: No. I am advised that the programme participation target remains at 60%. However, the bowel screening budget standard participation measure has been revised from 60% to 55% to reflect changes in the eligibility age of the National Bowel Screening Programme, and to ensure the performance measure remains appropriate and achievable during a period of programme expansion.