Radiotherapy for Northland cancer patients
Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti says it was an exciting moment to be at Whangārei Hospital today with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, recognising the start of construction for a $60.9 million dollar radiation cancer facility.
When complete, the Whangārei facility will provide comprehensive cancer services for the people of Te Tai Tokerau, removing the need for Northlanders to travel outside their region to get treatment.
Pictured above left: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti with Health NZ Te Whatu Ora leadership team members Mahaki Albert (Chief of Tikanga) and Fionnagh Dougan (National Director of Hospital and Specialist Services).
Pictured above right: Turning the first sod of earth, supported by Mahaki Albert, Jeremy Holman (Health NZ Te Whatu Ora leadership team member and Chief Infrastructure and Investment Officer) and Minister Rex Nathan.
“This new facility will provide the region’s first linear accelerator (LINAC) machine which is used for radiation treatment,” says Dr Reti. “When finished, it will also include two bunkers, (providing space for a second LINAC in the future when capacity demands), a CT scanner and extra chemotherapy spaces.
“The Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre already means a huge amount to the people of Whangārei, and wider Northland, and I’m delighted it will be expanded to meet the additional demand,” Dr Reti says.
“Currently, we know around 520 Northlanders travel to Auckland for radiotherapy each year because our region doesn’t have the appropriate equipment.
“Having a LINAC facility at Whangārei Hospital will support more timely access for these patients from right across Te Tai Tokerau, many from very remote areas of the district.
“We know the impact that travelling long distances has on patients and their whānau.
“Providing care closer to home will support patients to attend their appointments and treatment, reduce the impact on their lives and be closer to whānau. That support is so important to all of us when our family members are sick," Dr Reti said.
Pictured above left: Invited guests. Pictured above right: Dr Shane Reti and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with Mary Carney whose late husband Jim helped realise the Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre.
“Our Government knows many things to be addressed to improve access to services and the delivery of quality healthcare.
“We are determined to turn things around for health, including for people with cancer.
“As a National MP, as well as having the health portfolio, I’m proud we’ve already supported a number of steps for people with cancer, including our commitment to raise the breast screening age to 74, providing better access to PET-CT scans no matter where people live, and, through Pharmac, providing access to several new treatments for breast and blood cancer.
“All these initiatives will add up to make a difference for New Zealanders impacted by cancer. This Government will improve cancer management.”
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