Wyatt Creech
National Health Spokesperson
Friday 3 November 2000
Health Minister must explain cancer waiting lists
The Minister of Health must explain why she has failed to take action to deliver reduced waiting times for cancer
treatment, National Health spokesperson Wyatt Creech said today.
“Cancer clinics around the country have been struggling with rapidly growing waiting lists. Waiting times have in some
cases more than doubled, and there’s talk of sending patients to Australia.
“Annette King and Helen Clark made a solemn pledge to cut waiting lists. What has gone wrong?
“The Health Minister owes the cancer patients an explanation and an assurance that they will get their treatment as
quickly as possible.
“New Zealanders should expect to be able to access cancer treatment and not have to face undue delays.
“Why should people be put through the extra trauma of being sent to Australia for treatment?
“Annette King promised to cut waiting lists – not increase them. What is she going to do for these patients?”
Ends