People with the potentially debilitating condition endometriosis are begging for urgent treatment as they remain in pain and distress after Covid-19 delays.
The organisation Endometriosis NZ says it heard from 568 people during Alert Level 4 who were feeling desperate after their surgery or specialist appointments were put off.
The chief executive, Deborah Bush, read Health Correspondent Rowan Quinn some excerpts from their letters.
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The Ministry of Health says it acknowledges the suffering many people have as a result of the condition and is pushing new guidelines for prompt care and treatment.
It says the health system is making good gains as it tries to catch up from the necessary disruption to care in the lockdown.