Health experts are sounding another alarm, this time over unmet needs in the health system

New research out of Otago University found between 2018 and 2022, the risk of being declined referred specialist services increased significantly - by 5.2 percent.

Co-author Professor Robin Gauld says it's putting massive pressure on GPs and their patients.

He says individuals are being declined treatment within the public sector and having to go back to their GP.

Gauld says it's a national scandal, adding it's ongoing and requires urgent attention.