Good News for Cancer Patients!
Minister of Health, the Hon Tony Ryall, had announced that the Budget next week will provide $101 million of extra
funding over the next four years for more elective operations and scans, and improved cancer services. In a pre-Budget
announcement with Prime Minister John Key, Mr Ryall said the extra budget funding would invest in four new initiatives:
• shorter waiting times for diagnostic tests such as MRI scans, CT scans and colonoscopies
• shorter waiting times for cancer treatments
• reduced waiting times for, and increased elective surgery operations
• funding for dedicated nurses for cancer patients
“This is the best news we could possible hear,” said Chief Executive of the Cancer Society, Dalton Kelly. The Government
is investing in the entire care continuum of the ‘cancer journey’ which will make a real difference to the individual.
“From the time someone is suspected of having cancer there will be faster access to see a specialist and faster access
to treatment once a cancer has been diagnosed. Then they will have access to a dedicated cancer nurse. “Our supportive
care teams around the country are delighted with the concept of dedicated cancer nurses – they see the benefit of having
a single point of contact to assist patients and their family/whanau across different parts of the health service.
Presently some cancer patients can come into contact with up to 28 doctors and even more nurses throughout their
treatment. The cancer nurses will be excellent contact points between the Cancer Society as well.
We congratulate the Government for investing in these forward-thinking initiatives as the burden of cancer continues to
grow.”
ENDS