New research highlights a need to send more public health procedures to the private system. 

Westpac's latest healthcare report shows New Zealand currently spends about 10% of GDP on healthcare, split between 7% on public care and just 3% on private. 

It argues the private sector is nimbler, with extra capacity that can help cut wait times and improve outcomes. 

Private Surgical Hospitals Association Chief Executive Chris Roberts told Ryan Bridge its hospitals are investing in new facilities and operating theatres. 

He says they don't tend to have the staffing issues some public hospitals do, so are looking to provide a bigger service. 

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