23 August 2002 News Update

ONCOLOGY WAITING TIMES REDUCED

Latest radiation treatment statistics released by the Ministry of Health show a reduction in waiting times. Ministry of Health spokesperson Dr Rob Buist says all six cancer centres reported improved waiting times in June.

The biggest reduction was in Auckland, where 2% of patients waited more than six weeks, compared with 27% in May and 59% in January. Delays mainly occur between assessment and starting treatment, due to a shortage of radiation specialists.

However, in Waikato, the delays mainly occur between referral and assessment by a specialist. The ministry is concerned about the issue and is in discussions with the New Zealand Cancer Treatment Working Party.

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