Private healthcare is experiencing a surge in demand as public wait-lists keep expanding.

A new private hospital has opened in central Auckland, and Epsom's Mercy Hospital is expected to add dozens more beds and at least 10 new operating theatres.

At least 1 third of Kiwis now have private health insurance, with Southern Cross reporting a 3.5 percent increase in memberships over the past year.

Otago University's Robin Gauld says more people are worried about accessing healthcare as stories surface.

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