Midland Region Cuts Orthopaedic Surgery Waitlists by 15% Amid Health Push

Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced a promising development in New Zealand’s healthcare system: a 15% reduction in the orthopaedic surgery waitlist across the Midland region since November 2023. This reduction signals a concerted government effort to address longstanding delays in elective surgeries, particularly those that directly affect mobility and quality of life.

“Orthopaedic conditions like hip and knee issues can severely impact a person’s quality of life,” Minister Brown said. “It’s great to see more patients getting the care they need, faster.”

From November 2023 to March 2025, the total number of people waiting for orthopaedic procedures decreased from 3,125 to 2,668. Equally notable is the 11% drop in those waiting longer than four months—from 1,666 down to 1,480—marking a step forward in meeting patient expectations and government-set health targets.

Regional Reductions Reflect Broader Strategy

The improvements span the Midland region, which includes Waikato, Taranaki, Gisborne, Lakes, and the Bay of Plenty. All five districts have reported reductions in their orthopaedic surgical waitlists:

• Waikato – 25% decrease

• Taranaki – 7% decrease

• Gisborne – 32% decrease

• Lakes – 6% decrease

• Bay of Plenty – 9% decrease

These reductions come on the heels of a sharp rise in waitlists between 2020 and 2023, when numbers surged by a staggering 123%. The recent downturn reflects the Government’s intensified focus on elective care delivery.

Impact on Patients and Communities

Brown highlighted the tangible impact on individuals and families: “Across the region, faster treatment is helping people regain their independence and enjoy life again. That means grandparents staying active, tradies getting back to work, and young people returning to sport.”

Orthopaedic surgeries, particularly hip and knee replacements, are often life-changing. Long wait times not only lead to deteriorating physical health but also emotional stress and economic hardship due to limited mobility and lost work opportunities. The Ministry's progress is therefore seen as a crucial component in restoring quality of life for thousands.

Policy Measures Driving the Change

Minister Brown attributed the improvement to three key strategies:

1. Workforce Investment: Recruitment and upskilling initiatives are being ramped up to boost surgical and support staff numbers.

2. Expanding Surgical Capacity: Greater use of both public and private sector facilities is allowing more procedures to be performed without overburdening any one system.

3. Operational Support: Hospitals are receiving enhanced logistical and administrative backing to streamline patient pathways and reduce inefficiencies.

This integrated approach aims to not only reduce wait times but also create a more resilient and responsive healthcare system overall.

Looking Ahead: 2030 Health Targets in Focus

Despite the gains, Brown acknowledged that more work remains. “Patients are still waiting too long, and there is still more work to do – but this latest data shows we’re making real progress for orthopaedic patients in Midland,” he said.

The Government has set an ambitious target: by 2030, 95% of patients should receive elective surgery within four months of specialist assessment. The recent data provides early indicators that this goal may be within reach—provided the momentum continues.

A Step Forward, But the Journey Continues

The Midland region’s improvements in orthopaedic surgery waitlists are a hopeful sign of broader health system recovery post-pandemic. By investing in people, facilities, and smarter delivery models, the Government is attempting to reverse years of mounting surgical backlogs.

For patients awaiting vital mobility-restoring procedures, the progress can mean the difference between dependence and independence, pain and relief, and delay and dignity.