Ethnic inequities in access to breast reconstruction in the Counties Manukau DHB between January 2013 and June 2018 were identified in a retrospective review of 882 women referred to the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department for breast reconstruction. Fewer Asian and Pacific women were referred for reconstruction than expected based on the demographics of the region. In women who were referred and assessed, fewer Māori and Asian women proceeded with surgery than European women. Inequities in rates of referral for breast reconstruction were evident for geographical location, with fewer referrals from distant DHBs compared with DHBs situated closer to the treatment centre.
