49419 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

49419 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: How many staff have been recruited in each of the six rural and remote rollout areas of the Government's changes to after-hours and urgent care services since May 2025, and how many more, if any, are expected by mid-2026?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that all six prototype locations are focused on putting patients first and ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare. These prototypes are helping Health New Zealand test and refine rural and remote urgent care models before expanding to up to 70 locations across the country. Most sites already provide 24/7 services and are further strengthening access to diagnostics and coordination with Hato Hone St John. Aotea Great Barrier, Te Kūiti, Coromandel, Twizel, and Golden Bay are already safely and sustainably providing 24/7 urgent care. As the programme progresses, some of these locations may receive additional paramedic support to further enhance services. In Tūrangi, recruitment is underway for a GP or Nurse Practitioner, with a virtual triage doctor in place to ensure patients continue to receive timely, quality care in the meantime.