A leaked memo reveals patients needing heart scans in Auckland could face a wait of up to a year

The memo from Auckland DHB's chief medical officer shows clinicians have been told to explain other options to their patients - such as going private.

Cardiac echos are critical in diagnosing heart conditions.

Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Sarah Dalton says delays are increasingly common and concerning.

She delays are emerging across different specialities because health funding overall is sufficient to meet the current need.