27032 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 26 Jun 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	27032 (2026)
Question asked:	07 Jun 2026
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	22 Jun 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_27032_2026
Document guid:	c8862440-f692-4a2a-b7e0-55ab2ca93347

27032 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: How many children currently have unmet need for specialist paediatric palliative care nationally?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that ‘unmet needs’ is not a metric which is measured; however, current specialist paediatric palliative care services are limited. That's why as part of Budget 2026, our Government is funding a new National Specialist Paediatric Palliative Care Service. This initiative aims to improve access by supporting local care teams and delivering care directly to those with complex symptoms, to better meet children’s needs.