Lack of access to specialist healthcare is having a significant effect on patients and health professionals. 

An Otago University report has found that between 2018 and 2022 the risk of being declined following a GP referral increased by 5.2% per year. 

Co-author Professor Robin Gauld told Mike Hosking that it's more than 17,000 extra people being denied over that time. 

He says there are longstanding issues with workforce, availability of staff such as theatre technicians, and funding. 

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• Capacity issues sees more Kiwis unable to see specialists