National must urgently fix Wellington child cancer service

Health Minister Tony Ryall must urgently investigate what’s gone wrong with child cancer services at Wellington Hospital, and reassure parents that systems are in place to ensure the service works for the region’s children, say Wellington MPs Annette King and Grant Robertson and Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson.

The Labour MPs were commenting on a report today on the resignation of two paediatric oncologists from Wellington Hospital, throwing the future of the Wellington region child cancer service into doubt.

“We know that this will be a stressful time for the families and children involved. They need some certainty about the future of these services, and the National Government must act quickly to find a long term solution,” Annette King said.

“National certainly talked the talk in opposition. When Capital Coast Health DHB paediatric oncology service was at risk two years ago Mr Ryall used words like appalling and demanded a Health Select Committee inquiry,” she said.

“His fear-mongering then was inexcusable for the stress it caused to parents and children who were already suffering. Labour won’t repeat that sort of emotional and nasty language, but Mr Ryall now must front and tell us what he plans to do.

“This is no longer about boosting his personal profile. It’s about actually ensuring a vital service is provided for our region’s children.”

Ruth Dyson and Grant Robertson said that “in the wake of the resignation of two oncologists today for jobs in North America, the region’s families of children with cancer deserve quick action to ensure their children get the very best treatment the public health system can deliver.”

Grant Robertson said he would seek an urgent meeting with Tony Ryall to ask him what he intends to do.

ENDS

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