National is a threat to New Zealand’s public health system, and another three years of the same will mean longer waits, more staff shortages and higher costs for patients.

“Three years of National’s cuts and staffing restrictions have left our hospitals under enormous strain and patients waiting far too long for care," Labour health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall said.

“Today’s stories of patients waiting for care are heartbreaking. One man is waiting for cancer treatment, another has spent two years with a catheter waiting for an operation. This is the reality of the health system under National.

“Christopher Luxon says “stick to the plan.” But look at what has happened. GP fees are higher. Nurses have reported being unable to fill vacancies. Graduate nurses are struggling to find jobs. Patients are waiting too long for treatment.

“Children with cancer have already had treatment delayed at Starship. Doctors have warned that dangerous understaffing is putting lives at risk. Hospital staff at Tauranga, North Shore and Middlemore have declared states of emergency.

“These are not isolated problems. They are warning signs of a public health system under enormous pressure. And National’s answer is another three years of the same.

“More cuts. More staffing restrictions. More patients paying higher fees and waiting longer for the care they need.

“Christopher Luxon has seen what his approach is doing to our hospitals. But instead of changing course, he wants more time to keep doing it.

“Labour will end National’s hiring freeze, guarantee every eligible New Zealand-trained graduate nurse a job in our health system, and make healthcare more affordable with three free GP visits a year.

“National has already done serious damage to our health system. Another three years of the same will only make it worse. New Zealanders cannot afford to take that risk,” Dr Verrall said.