58050 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

58050 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: How does Health New Zealand plan to ensure that regions with fewer resources or smaller hospitals are not unfairly disadvantaged in meeting health targets, if at all?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that Health New Zealand's regionally-led approach will enable it to monitor health target performance alongside access to planned care services within smaller hospitals. I am further advised that this regional approach enables smaller hospitals to work across their district and region to access capacity in other centres when required. It also allows Health NZ to identify and respond better to need among rural communities by utilising regional capacity.