The Elective Boost programme will be expanded to provide 21,000 additional elective procedures in the coming year, shortening surgical wait times.
“With over 215,000 procedures set to go ahead over the next year – over 21,000 more than previously planned – wait times will reduce, helping more Kiwis access life-changing operations like hip and knee replacements and cataract surgeries sooner,” Health Minister Simeon Brown said in a statement.
The programme will expand national surgical capacity by using both public and private hospitals. Procedures will be carried out at Health New Zealand’s specialised elective centres—such as Manukau Health Park, Tōtara Haumaru on Auckland’s North Shore, and Burwood Hospital in Christchurch—as well as through private providers operating under national agreements.
As of June 1, over 12,764 procedures have been completed, surpassing the target of 10,579 set for June 30. Most of the procedures performed have been for individuals who have been waiting more than four months for treatment.
Statements of work have also been issued to 60 private providers to perform surgeries at standardised national rates.
“We’re taking a joined-up approach to procedure delivery. That means removing hold-ups, providing certainty, and unlocking capacity across the system,” Brown said.
“Too many Kiwis have been waiting in pain for procedures that could transform their lives – a tradie needing a shoulder operation to get back to work, a nana needing cataract surgery to see her grandkids clearly, or a child waiting months for tonsils to be removed.”
“We’re turning that around.”
According to Brown, the government’s long-term objective is to ensure that by 2030, 95% of patients receive treatment within four months, aligning with the national health targets.
“Our government is investing $30 billion a year in health, and we’re backing that investment with a relentless focus on delivery.”
“We are ramping up capacity in public hospitals, partnering with private providers in a more strategic way, and most importantly, we are getting Kiwis the care they need.”