However much of this is spread over several years, the compound annual growth rate to 2029/30 of almost 3.5%, very close to the inflation rate. This will therefore help meet frontline cost pressures but is unlikely to support growing demand. We welcome funding for 24,000 additional planned care treatments and we strongly recommend these should be allocated as a priority to public hospitals, with private provision only where Te Whatu Ora cannot employ surgeons soon enough. To this effect we will continue discussions with government to increase both training and consultant positions in areas of unmet need, especially in regional and rural hospitals.
Although we welcome the lowering of eligibility for government funded bowel cancer screening by only two years from 58 to 56 years of age - this is still eleven years later than eligibility in Australia and the United Kingdom at 45 years. We continue to advocate for returning eligibility for Māori and Pacific to 50 years, as was rolling out in 2025. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori are more likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer at a younger age, and at more advanced stages and earlier screening would have great impact on reducing preventable deaths in our communities.
Primary care is another area needing investment and attention. Growing unmet needs are mounting pressure on general practice. The lack of investment in primary care actually increases pressure on the hospital system. RACS remains committed to working collaboratively with government and other health professionals to providing high-quality, accessible, and equitable surgical services to meet the needs of our diverse communities.
