Fewer Waikato patients are facing long waits for life-saving heart and lung surgery, with the cardiothoracic treatment waitlist slashed by 70 per cent in just over a year.
Figures released by Health Minister Simeon Brown show the number of people waiting for cardiothoracic treatment in the region fell from 90 in November 2023 to just 27 in March 2025. Those waiting longer than four months dropped from 13 to 4 over the same period.
“Heart and lung conditions can be life-threatening if left untreated, so it is fantastic news that more people in Waikato are getting the treatment they need faster,” Mr Brown said.
He credited the improvement to the dedication of frontline health workers, a focus on preventing surgery cancellations, and expanding surgical capacity to meet growing demand.
“This is great progress, and it is making a real difference to people’s lives – whether it’s a grandparent needing a heart bypass to keep up with the grandkids, a young mum recovering from lung surgery and getting back to her family, or a farmer returning to work after life-saving treatment,” he said.
Reducing wait times for elective procedures is one of the Government’s key health targets. By 2030, it aims for 95 per cent of patients to be treated within four months.
Mr Brown said the Government is investing in the health workforce, validating waiting lists, and working closely with hospitals to ensure patients can access specialist care – no matter where they live.
