New concerns are being raised about growing pressure across the health system after reports revealed around one in five GP referrals for specialist care are being declined, delayed or lost, contributing to worsening wait times for patients.
Health advocates say increasing numbers of patients are becoming trapped in what has been described as a referral “black hole”, where requests for specialist treatment are rejected or fail to progress through the system.
Research shows referrals to hospitals have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, but specialist services are struggling to cope with demand, resulting in longer delays and more rejected referrals.
Healthwatch data found around 21 percent of patients experienced referral failures including lost paperwork, rejected referrals, incorrect referrals or long periods without communication from hospitals or specialists.
Healthcare groups warn the problem is increasing pressure on already stretched GP clinics, as patients are forced to repeatedly return to doctors while waiting for treatment or trying to resolve referral issues.
Medical experts say long delays can worsen health outcomes and increase stress, anxiety and financial hardship for patients and whānau. Concerns are also being raised that Māori, rural communities and low-income households are more vulnerable to the impacts of delayed access to specialist healthcare.
The growing backlog comes amid ongoing workforce shortages and increasing demand for hospital services. Health systems internationally are continuing to struggle with elective surgery and outpatient waitlists following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patient advocates are calling for improved communication, faster processing systems and greater accountability between GP clinics and hospitals to prevent referrals from falling through the cracks.
Healthcare organisations say reducing delays and improving referral pathways will be critical to easing pressure on frontline services and ensuring patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment.
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