32198 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

32198 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What measures are in place to ensure consistency of ovarian cancer referral pathways across regions, if any?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that 11 of Health New Zealand's 20 districts have adopted pathways that ensure advice is available on accessing specialist blood tests, ultrasound imaging, and referrals to gynaecology services. I am further advised that pathways are available to clinicians as guidance in the remaining nine districts but have yet to be formally adopted. Further work is underway to ensure clinical prioritisation processes are aligned nationally. I am also advised that Health NZ has nationwide criteria to ensure consistent access to pelvic ultrasound imaging.