The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists believes fewer people are receiving care than we're being told.  

Its new report —which looks at seven districts between 2023 and 2025— shows about 20% of GP specialist referrals are being declined.  

Executive Director Sarah Dalton told Mike Hosking it's down to staff shortages across the public and private sectors. 

She says it shows Health New Zealand isn't managing unmet need, and criticises the fact our targets-focused system doesn't provide targets for the workforce. 

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