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What is the average wait time for a breast screening appointment as at 1 February 2026; the longest wait time recorded in each Te Whatu Ora district; the number of women currently waiting longer than eight weeks; the number of available appointments in the next four weeks; and any districts operating at less than 90 percent screening capacity? and 1 other question

Answered 5001, 5002 (2026)
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Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 5001

    What is the average wait time for a breast screening appointment as at 1 February 2026; the longest wait time recorded in each Te Whatu Ora district; the number of women currently waiting longer than eight weeks; the number of available appointments in the next four weeks; and any districts operating at less than 90 percent screening capacity?

  • 5002

    What is the average wait time for a breast screening appointment by Te Whatu Ora district as at 1 February 2026, and what were the average wait times by district for the years 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that BreastScreen Aotearoa does not have wait lists. Screening is voluntary and screening providers invite people to screen based on when they are eligible. Participants who are overdue are actively supported to screen. I am further advised that there are 5,923 breast screening appointments available, across all Health New Zealand districts, available from 15 February to 15 March 2026. Screening providers are actively inviting and following up with participants. Screening providers have capacity to reach BreastScreen Aotearoa's coverage target.