Counties Manukau Slashes Gynaecology Wait Times With Major Improvements

Women in Counties Manukau are now receiving specialist gynaecology care significantly faster, with wait times for a first specialist assessment reduced by more than 90 percent in the past year. Health Minister Simeon Brown says the achievement is a direct result of dedicated efforts by local healthcare teams and a strong push to reduce national waitlists.

A Remarkable Drop in Delays

In June 2023, more than 305 women in Counties Manukau had been waiting over four months for their first gynaecology appointment. By June 2024, that figure had plummeted to just 30 patients – a dramatic 90.2 percent reduction.

“This progress has only been possible because of the hard work and commitment of clinicians and staff,” Brown said. “By running extra weekend clinics and making full use of available clinic sessions, they’ve created more appointments and ensured that women are seen much sooner.”

Alongside the reduction in long waits, the overall gynaecology waitlist dropped by 35.6 percent over the same period, falling from 1,020 patients to 657. This means hundreds more women have gained timely access to specialist care that previously may have taken months longer.

Linking Local Results to National Progress

These improvements are part of a wider national trend. Earlier this week, the Government released quarterly health target data, showing positive results across the country. More patients are now being seen within the four-month timeframe, and overall specialist assessment waitlists are shrinking.

“In the last quarter alone, thousands of people received timely specialist assessments they had been waiting months for,” Brown explained. “What we’re seeing in Counties Manukau is exactly what those national numbers mean on the ground – real improvements for real people.”

Driving Toward the 2030 Target

The Government has set an ambitious national goal: by 2030, 95 percent of all patients should receive their first specialist assessment within four months. While there is more work ahead, Counties Manukau’s success is being viewed as proof that the target is achievable.

“Every improvement brings us closer to that goal,” Brown said. “Counties Manukau shows what’s possible when we put patients first and give clinicians the support they need. These results are encouraging, but we’re not stopping here.”

Putting Patients First

For women in Counties Manukau, the improvements mean faster access to diagnosis, treatment, and support at critical times. For the health system, it demonstrates that with targeted strategies and community-driven effort, significant backlogs can be cleared and care can be delivered more efficiently.

“We will continue to build on this progress,” Brown affirmed. “Our commitment is clear: every New Zealander deserves timely, quality healthcare, no matter where they live.”