“So, having that care closer to home means we know more people will take up treatment, and it’ll make a big difference.”
The Government is investing a further $7.6 million to complete Stage Two of the project, adding to the $37.2 million announced last year for Stage One, bringing total investment to $44.8 million.
Brown said building both stages together would allow the complete cancer centre to open at the same time.
Stage One includes building Hawke’s Bay’s first Linear Accelerator (Linac) facility, featuring two treatment bunkers and associated clinical spaces to meet current demand and support future growth. The second bunker will provide capacity for an additional Linac as demand increases.
Stage Two will complete the wider cancer centre, including modern medical oncology and haematology services.
The Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre will become the region’s first local radiation treatment service.
“I know that this has been something that Hawke’s Bay region has been needing for many years,” Brown said.
“It’s now being delivered, so we’re fixing the basics. We’re building the future so that people in this community can get the care they need closer to home.”
Brown said the new centre would also help reduce waiting times by increasing radiation treatment capacity.
“We want to see 90% of patients receiving their first cancer treatment within 31 days of diagnosis,” he said.
“Having more centres closer to home speeds up access to those treatments.”
About 50 people attended the ceremony, including Health Minister Simeon Brown, local MPs Catherine Wedd and Kate Nimon, Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum, Napier Mayor Richard McGrath, iwi representatives and health leaders. Photo / Rafaella Melo
Health New Zealand group director operations David Warrington said workforce planning was in the early stages of the project.
“We need to confirm what the staffing requirements are, but they’re a key part of the process,” he said.
“We do know that modern facilities not only help retain staff, but we also attract staff, as we continue to build local capacity and capability as well.”
About 50 people attended the ceremony, including Health Minister Simeon Brown, local MPs Catherine Wedd and Kate Nimon, Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum, Napier Mayor Richard McGrath, iwi representatives and health leaders.
Guests also wrote messages on a commemorative board, which will be incorporated into the new cancer centre as part of its legacy.
Health Minister Simeon Brown writes a message on a commemorative board that will become part of the new Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre. Photo / Rafaella Melo
Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said the investment strengthens the community.
“This is a huge moment for all of Hawke’s Bay. There are so many people in our community who had to make the pilgrimage to Palmerston North because we simply didn’t have the treatment and services here in Hawke’s Bay, and soon we will do,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to see this investment by the Government, and we’ll certainly be continuing to highlight the ongoing needs in this area, and we hope to see this as being the first of many.”