Waikato Hospital Delivering Faster Access To Cancer Treatment

As at the end of March 2026, 94 percent of cancer patients in Waikato started treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat, thanks to a series of initiatives to improve access and streamline care across the district.

This is a significant increase from 77 percent in January 2025.

Gabby Reynolds, Health NZ’s Waikato Operations Director for Cancer, Chronic Conditions and Radiology, says the service treats around 135 people each month, and delays beyond the 31-day target have now become uncommon. When delays do occur, he says, they are often because other health issues need to be resolved before surgery can safely take place.

“We are delivering treatment to patients in a timely manner – and that leads to better outcomes,” says Gabby.

“Once people are in the system, they have a dedicated nurse supporting them throughout their journey. They also have access to surgeons, medical oncology, radiation oncology, haematology, and both pre- and post-treatment care.”

“The first step was identifying where patients were experiencing delays and better understanding the patient journey.

“From there, we have worked hard to ensure the district’s cancer services work collaboratively to deliver wrap-around, multi-disciplinary care to our cancer patients.”

Ongoing review is now embedded in everyday practice, says Gabby. “Additional clinical and non-clinical staff closely monitor patient progress at each stage of care.

“Our multidisciplinary model also helps identify patients who may benefit from outsourced care, allowing better use of capacity across the health system.”

Hospital capacity has been further strengthened with the appointment of an additional breast cancer surgeon in late 2024, dedicated to supporting treatment delivery, along with a surgical department project focused on improving theatre utilisation.

“This is particularly important for cancer services, where some rapidly progressing cancers require treatment within a short timeframe, making flexibility and careful planning essential,” says Gabby.

“The most important factor has been a whole-of-team approach. Everyone is working together with a shared commitment to delivering excellent care for our patients.”

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