Surgery wait times continue to be lengthy, despite the Government saying its targeted approach is working.

Health Minister Ayesha Verrall says the total number of planned care treatments, including minor operations, is increasing nationwide.

People waiting longer than three years for treatment now either have a date and plan, or have been treated, and officials are working their way down from there.

Christchurch colorectal surgeon Chris Wakeman told Francesca Rudkin it's a tough problem to fix.

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