The Health Minister says he's confident people aren't being booted from hospital waitlists - so Health New Zealand's meets targets

A letter obtained by RNZ reveals some referrals from a Palmerston North orthopaedic clinic are being knocked back, due to a lack of resources.

Shane Reti says checks are in place to ensure targets aren't gamed.

He says Health New Zealand is investigating the letter.

Reti says when the 20 DHBs came together there was a difference in protocols, but it's not the policy.