Thousands of New Zealanders are missing out on specialist medical treatment, due to staffing shortages - with fears it will get worse

A report from the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists predicts an average shortage of 24 percent in public hospitals, compounded by an ageing workforce and border closures.

Executive director Sarah Dalton says they aren't able meet demand.

She says there's been long term restraint on health funding, and acute demand is rising.