Aucklanders are seeing faster access to heart specialists, with cardiology waitlists shrinking across the region. Health Minister Simeon Brown announced that the number of patients waiting for a first specialist assessment (FSA) in cardiology has dropped by 25% since November 2023.

“These numbers represent real lives being changed,” said Brown. “It means timely treatment for chest pain, answers for breathlessness, and relief for families waiting in uncertainty.”

Between November 2023 and March 2025, the waitlist fell from 3,829 to 2,847 patients. The most dramatic improvement was among those waiting over four months down 73%, from 663 to just 179.

This progress follows years of mounting pressure, with the cardiology waitlist having grown 36% over the previous three years. Now, all three Auckland districts are showing improvement:

• Waitematā: 47% reduction
• Auckland: 8% reduction
• Counties Manukau: 20% reduction

The turnaround is credited to expanded clinic capacity, improved follow-up systems, and streamlined appointment scheduling.

Brown emphasized the government’s goal: by 2030, 95% of patients should be seen within four months. “There’s more work ahead, but the direction is clear we’re backing clinical teams and delivering smarter, faster care.”