Articles tagged with Heart Disease
Valentine’s Day Reminder: Prioritize Heart Health for a Longer, Healthier Life
1 month ago | 255 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown urges New Zealanders to use Valentine’s Day as a reminder to prioritize heart health for themselves and their loved ones, emphasizing that many heart disease and stroke risks are preventable through small lifestyle changes. He encourages people to assess their personal risk via conversations with healthcare providers or the Heart Foundation’s free online assessment, and highlights the importance of regular physical activity and quitting smoking, with support available. The government is committed to prevention, early diagnosis, and faster treatment to help New Zealanders maintain heart health and enjoy more time with those they care about.
Tags: Simeon Brown New Zealand Valentine’s Day heart health Heart Foundation Health Minister stroke heart disease smoking cessation Health New ZealandSignificant Drop in Auckland Cardiology Waitlist Eases Patient Access to Specialist Care
6 months ago | 704 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown notes a 25% decrease in the cardiology first specialist assessment (FSA) waitlist in Auckland since November 2023, with patient numbers dropping from 3,829 to 2,847 between November 2023 and March 2025. The reduction in wait times has been significant, especially for those waiting over four months, with a 73% decrease from 663 to 179. Progress has been made across all three Auckland districts, reflecting efforts to expand clinic capacity, improve systems for reminders and follow-ups, and streamline scheduling to reduce delays in booking appointments. The goal is to ensure that 95% of patients are seen within four months by 2030, with ongoing efforts to further reduce wait times and improve access to timely specialist care.
Tags: Auckland cardiologist Health Minister Simeon Brown cardiology FSA heart disease New Zealand patients waitlist clinical teamsSignificant Drop in Northland Heart Specialist Waitlist, Improving Access to Timely Care
7 months ago | 872 viewsThe Health Minister Simeon Brown announces a 36% decrease in the Northland waitlist for First Specialist Assessments (FSAs) since November 2023, emphasizing the importance of timely access to heart specialist care in detecting conditions early. The cardiology FSA waitlist in Northland dropped from 1,091 to 691 between November 2023 and March 2025, with a 68% decrease in patients waiting longer than four months. The reduction in waitlists is attributed to initiatives such as running cardiac clinics at rural hospitals, coordinating assessments to minimize visits, and expanding local services, reflecting a commitment to improving access to heart care in Northland.
Tags: Northland Health Minister Simeon Brown Heart disease New Zealand Cardiology Patients Waitlist Heart condition Rural hospitals Whangārei Hospital