Hawke’s Bay Miracle as Public Radiology Delivers for Patients
27 February 2026
Hawkes Bay medical imaging technologists (MITs) and one of their new scanners
APEX[1] is celebrating new data evidencing the benefits of investment in publicly delivered imaging (radiology) services.
As a result of 2 new scanners being commissioned in Hawkes Bay thanks to the Diagnostic Boost Programme[2] (increasing our number of scanners to 2 CT and 2 MRI), and work to retain the workforce to run these scanners, more patients are being scanned and faster. As a result of these initiatives, Hawke’s Bay has seen the number of patients on the CT waiting list drop by 74% and the number of patients on the MRI waiting list drop by 50%.
The outsourcing of patients to private radiology has almost completely stopped saving the public millions of dollars, on a sustainable basis.
The results of increased investment in Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s radiology services are delivering a positive (net gain) return on investment and faster diagnostic imaging of patients with four key components behind the success:
- In November 2025 we doubled public hospital capacity to two CT and two MRI scanners. However, we still needed the workforce to run the new machines to full capacity.
- Regular high trust engagement between health sector managers and union delegates improved communication, workforce wellbeing and importantly, retention.
- As a result, sufficient workforce was secured to commence both acute and non-urgent imaging in CT and MRI, 7 days a week;
- We also implemented sustainable evening and weekend night shift rosters reducing radiographer fatigue and improving Emergency Department waiting times.
“What Hawke’s Bay has proven is that sustainable investment and good collaboration between unions and the health service delivers results which are nothing short of miraculous,” said Dr Deborah Powell, APEX national secretary. “Patients are getting their diagnosis earlier and their acute hospital presentation is more efficient.”
“Our union first started engaging with Hawke’s Bay in mid-2023 when staff were burning out and waiting lists were spiraling out of control. Through appropriate investment, rostering and joint problem solving, we have been able to get waiting lists for CT down from over 1000 patients to under 275, and MRI waiting lists over 700 to under 300.”
“Te Whatu Ora and Hawke’s Bay MITs are now delivering the radiology service our entire public health system needs. Supported by the Diagnostic Boost Programme, other hospitals should be able to replicate these results, cutting wait times, delivering faster diagnosis and turnaround to acute services, and improving the wellbeing and retention of our critical imaging (MIT) workforce.” concluded Dr Powell.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Dr Deborah Powell
APEX National Secretary
Phone: 021 614 040
Email: ask@apex.org.nz
[1] APEX is the union representing 6000 allied, scientific and technical health professionals including over 1500 medical imaging technologists (known as MITs or radiographers).
[2] The Diagnostic Boost was put in place by Minister Brown to improve the public hospital radiology system through increased investment in equipment and workforce.