Health Minister Simeon Brown said the number of people in Auckland waiting to see a cardiologist has dropped by 25% since November 2023, reducing the cardiology first specialist assessment (FSA) waitlist.
“Heart disease is one of New Zealand’s leading health challenges. It’s encouraging to see more Aucklanders getting timely access to specialist care when they need it,” Brown said.
From November 2023 to March 2025, the number of people waiting for a cardiology FSA decreased from 3,829 to 2,847. The most notable improvement was seen in the longest waits, with the number of people waiting over four months dropping by 73%, from 663 to 179.
“These numbers represent real lives being changed,” Brown noted.
“It means a dad with chest pain is seen quickly and started on the right treatment before a heart attack happens, an older woman with breathlessness finally gets answers and support, and families are no longer left waiting in uncertainty for that first crucial appointment.”
These results follow years of increasing pressure, during which the cardiology waitlist expanded by 36% over the past three years.
Progress is now being made across all three Auckland districts, with Waitematā seeing a 47% decrease, Auckland down 8%, and Counties Manukau reduced by 20%.
“Our plan is working – we are backing clinical teams, improving referral systems, and ensuring hospitals have the capacity to deliver faster, smarter care.”
“Patients are still waiting too long, and there is more work to do – but this latest data shows we are heading in the right direction,” Brown said.