Concern over capital’s child cancer care

The staffing crisis at the Wellington children's hospital may be a sign of things to come, says National Party Health spokesman Tony Ryall.

Staffing shortages mean that some Wellington child cancer patients are having to travel away from their families to Christchurch and Auckland for treatment. This has lead to fears about a threat to the long-term viability of the paediatric oncology service for the lower North Island and Hawke's Bay.

"Thankfully cancer centres are co-operating to ensure the children are looked after.

"But you would think that a hospital in the country's capital city could at least maintain a child cancer service. It's appalling that a review of the viability of this service is even being undertaken.”

Mr Ryall says despite 43 reports since the year 2000, the Government is not tackling serious shortages in key areas of the health workforce.

"Wellington's problems should be of great concern to all New Zealanders. Travelling so far from home will be tough for these kids and their families. But there's every indication that other cancer services could face similar problems in the future.

"Just a few days ago a major stock-take of the Cancer Control Workforce was released. It makes gloomy reading.

“The report says oncology specialist numbers are somewhat below international benchmarks, and it warns that current trainee numbers are unlikely to produce the necessary number of specialists in the future without ongoing recruitment from overseas.

“That’s underlined by the fact that vacancy rates have been around 10–15% over the previous nine months for medical oncologists.

"The Workforce report also warns cancer care nursing is also facing pressure with new cancer drugs requiring more intensive administration.

“The report notes that implementation of the Cancer Control Strategy cannot succeed without "a highly motivated, skilled workforce.

"New Zealanders would have thought some of the extra $5 billion a year being spent on health would have gone into action on training sufficient staff to keep our services going.

"Sadly, it appears that bureaucracy remains the winner, as our key medical staff face greater and greater pressures," says Mr Ryall.

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