Hon David Cunliffe
Minister of Health

18 December 2007
Media Statement

Minister welcomes announcement on paediatric oncology

Minister of Health David Cunliffe has welcomed a decision from the Capital and Coast and Canterbury District Health Boards for the joint provision of paediatric oncology services.

“Today's announcement represents a great deal of work by many, many people who have fought hard to ensure that children and their families in the lower North Island have access to sustainable, high quality paediatric oncology services,” Mr Cunliffe said.

Mr Cunliffe said on becoming Minister of Health he contacted the then Chair of Capital and Coast DHB and expressed concerns about the delivery of paediatric oncology services.

“On November 7 I stated when children and their families are confronted with a diagnoses of cancer, they require certainty about where and when treatment will be given. Child cancer services are essential for our children and families and there is no way that the Government will see that compromised.”

“Today’s announcement is the first step to providing certainty to families and to ensuring long-term sustainable solutions are put in place that do not compromise the clinical needs of patients or place clinicians in situations that are untenable."

ENDS

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