Yesterday I shared the first of my Subscriber Stories, where KC* recounted a shocking experience at Waikato Hospital after being rushed there by ambulance. You can read the full story here:
Subscriber Stories: Emergency care or waiting room farce?
This week, I received a comment from one of my subscribers, whom I will refer to as KC. She wanted to share what happened to her on Tuesday when she tried to access urgent medical care through our public health system. Her story deserves to be told because it paints a grim picture of what New Zealanders now face when they fall seriously ill.
One of my followers on X responded to the story with a comment that stopped me in my tracks. He wrote that when trying to book a routine appointment with his doctor online, the first available slot was three months away. He added that he could try phoning for a cancellation, but it highlighted a severe lack of capacity in the system.
I was sceptical. Surely that could not be true? I asked him to provide a redacted screenshot of the earliest appointment, and he did. The first available slot shown was 20 February 2026. Now, I cannot verify whether there were earlier cancellations, but this subscriber has been active and trustworthy online. There is no reason to doubt him. His screenshot is below.
Stories like this are becoming all too common. Waiting three months for a routine doctor’s appointment is unacceptable. Even a two-week wait can feel unbearable when you are sick or anxious about your health.
I dread to think what would happen if Labour returned to government and implemented their promise of three free doctor visits per year. People would likely be booking those check-ups in advance, putting even more strain on already stretched GP practices nationwide.
Our health system is failing ordinary Kiwis. If we cannot see a doctor when we need to, free visits will not make a difference. They will just create longer lines, more stress, and worse outcomes for everyone. Something has to change and it cannot wait three months.
Subscriber Stories, is my new Saturday series where I share your stories. My publication reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month, so if you have a story worth telling, I am happy to help. Not only will your story be seen by thousands, but as a thank you, you will also receive three three-month free subscription. If you wish, you can stay100% anonymous - I will never reveal my sources.
Submit your story via direct message and let your voice be heard.
I’m not surprised to see long wait times for appointments. I live in an area where actually finding a Dr with space to take you is almost impossible. I do wonder though that a big part of the issue are GPS who work very limited hours, I lived with my father in a small Western Bay of Plenty township that had a medical centre with around 8 or so GPS around 2015 - 2018. He had chronic COPD and needed regular medical attention. There was only one Dr in that practice who worked 5 days a week, my dad’s one worked two full and one half day. The half day was as emergency cover, so couldn’t be booked. The GP was not an old guy. So why not full time?
It’s tragic how poor our public health system has become. Frequent stories from family and friends sadly highlight the lack of NZ trained staff, lack of funds, lack of facilities, long wait times for both routine and emergency care, and money needing to be spent on security due to violence and theft. (But if you have medical insurance you can see a specialist promptly)
At a political level the government that puts priority into rebuilding the health system would win over the people - a healthy and happier population, and jobs for both skilled medical staff and unskilled support staff. Better that than funding the swindle train.