Health New Zealand's seeking feedback on improving services for terminally ill children - after revelations of a major workforce gap

Paediatric patients were plunged into a crisis - when New Zealand's only publicly funded palliative care specialist based in Auckland - went on leave.

Health New Zealand says it has a specialised working group reviewing palliative care for children - and is exploring the formation of a national service.

Options include building on existing services, setting up two hubs - one in the North Island and the other in the South Island - or developing four hubs across the country.

Feedback closes on May 2nd.