Getting an x-ray or MRI under National has become harder and more expensive.

A report out this week shows public radiology services have been hampered by National’s hiring freezes, ageing equipment and staff burnout, with National’s cuts contributing to an exodus of staff to private services.

“Under National, you’re paying more and waiting longer to get healthcare,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.

“The report is frightening for the many people who rely on x-rays or scans for many types of diagnoses.

“The Government’s strategy of outsourcing services to private hospitals is having a detrimental effect, draining skilled staff and funding from the public health system.

“This will backfire in the long run, putting even more stress on a public health system that is already struggling, and getting worse under National.

“It will mean longer wait times to get appointments in the public system, overworked staff who are more likely to make mistakes and the potential to see patients forced to pay for expensive private care to get the help they need.

“Christopher Luxon is more concerned with cutting costs than with actually helping people stay well or get treatment when they need it.

“Labour will make it cheaper and easier to get care closer to home and make sure hospitals are there when you need them,” Ayesha Verrall said.