New Northland Cancer Clinic Opens Tomorrow

9 August 2018

Northland cancer patients can now access private cancer treatment closer to home as the first private cancer treatment clinic opens tomorrow in Whangarei.

The Canopy Cancer Care clinic will offer a wide range of cancer services delivered by a dedicated team of local oncologists.

Canopy Chief Executive Ben Harman said the new clinic enables patients who live in the Northland region to access their treatment locally and removes the lengthy journey that many are currently making to Auckland.

“Patients shouldn’t have to travel huge distances to access their cancer care which is why it was so important to establish a clinic in Whangarei,” Mr Harman said.

“For many patients, the long journey and time away from family and friends while they are being treated for cancer is really hard. We believe this new clinic will make a huge difference to local patients and their families for many years to come.”

Northland DHB Chief Executive, Dr Nick Chamberlain said that they welcome the establishment of Canopy Cancer Care in Whangarei.

“This new service may take a little pressure off our publicly funded services, but more importantly will reduce travel time for those who are currently going to Auckland to receive their private treatment.

“Patients wishing to access unfunded cancer treatments locally will also benefit from this new Whangarei service,” he said.

Whangarei Medical Oncologist Dr Lisa Dawson said she was delighted to be part of the Canopy team providing Northland patients with private cancer care.

“The services offered by the clinic will provide patients with choice in their treatment – Canopy provides patients with access to cancer drugs and treatments, including those not available in the public health system,” she said.

“Our very experienced team here in Whangarei have expertise in the tumour areas of breast, gastro-intestinal, gynaecological, kidney, bladder, prostate, lung and melanoma. We also welcome referrals for patients with head and neck cancers, brain and neuroendocrine cancer,” she said.

“The cancer journey is not easy, it’s emotionally and physically stressful, so we’re thrilled to be able to provide this world class treatment to our patients in a local clinic.”

“As an oncologist, it is my desire to help people with cancer and at Canopy Cancer Care we can provide them with the highest standard of care and leading treatments available to ensure the best possible outcome for them,” Lisa said.

The Whangarei clinic will be led by local Whangarei medical oncologists’ Drs’ Vince Newton, Lisa Dawson and Abbey Wrigley. The clinical team also includes specialty oncology nurses led by Charlie McKenzie.

Media are invited to attend the opening tomorrow 10 August at 12.30pm, Eye Specialists building, 19 Kamo Rd, Regent, Whangarei.

-ENDS-

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