44272 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health

44272 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health: Does the Minister agree with GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers that "telehealth has done nothing to reduce demand for free treatment, which causes overcrowding and long wait times in emergency department", if not, why not?

Hon Simeon Brown: I agree that too many New Zealanders are waiting too long in our emergency departments. Our Government has made it clear to Health New Zealand that performance must improve, and reinstating the shorter stays in emergency department health target is key to that, refocusing the system on delivery and restoring the accountability lost when this target was removed by the previous government. I also acknowledge that more than 21,000 consultations have already been delivered through our Government’s new 24/7 digital health service launched in July. I am advised that most people using this new service were able to get answers and treatment straight away, easing pressure on emergency departments by addressing non-urgent issues earlier and in the right setting.