“In many situations, time is critical. Being able to scan patients locally will mean better outcomes for people needing emergency or cancer care.”
The scanner is expected to be operational by mid-2027, with additional staff to be recruited as the service expands.
“We are focusing on fixing the basics and building the future. For communities in the Mid and Far North, that means their first CT scanner at Kaitāia Hospital delivers better access to care, closer to home.”
Cancer Society Northland supportive care nurse lead Annette Shannon-Berghan said the scanner would make a significant difference for Far North patients.
“We do a significant number of transporting clients down to Whangārei, not just for treatment, but for scans and all the preparations that happen before treatment.
“For our whānau there, having to come down to Whangārei is quite an impact, especially for our patients.”
She said transport is often a major barrier for many patients, with members of the team transporting patients on a daily basis.
“A lot of it is people’s social situation. Some people don’t have transport, some don’t have support and some can’t afford travel costs. Our Far North area is definitely the area where we do the most transports … it is sort of a huge equity issue within our Far North area.”
Local National MP Grant McCallum said he was repeatedly approached by Kaitāia Hospital staff and emergency services about the need for a CT scanner and took the concerns to Brown.
“It’s great news for Kaitāia. It will make a massive difference to the health and wellbeing of the people of Kaitāia and the Far North.”
Health Minister Simeon Brown (right) announced a new CT scanner for Kaitaia Hospital, a project local National MP Grant McCallum says he championed after lobbying from hospital staff and emergency services.
He said the new addition to the hospital will deliver better health outcomes for Far North residents and financial savings.
“Turns out this isn’t just better for the health of people in the Far North, it also saves Health New Zealand money. Around 7000 people a year currently have to travel to Whangārei for scans, and many are reimbursed for those costs. Having a scanner in Kaitāia means those trips are no longer necessary.”
Far North resident Brian Joyce, who lives with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), said the new scanner would save patients considerable time and stress.
“There are a lot of people who can’t get to Whangārei. You can go on the bus, but then you’ve got to sit there all day and wait to get back.”
He said travelling long distances while unwell can worsen existing health conditions.
“It just makes things worse.”
The new scanner will complement Kaitaia Hospital’s existing radiology services, including X-ray and ultrasound, and is expected to reduce pressure on Whangārei Hospital while improving access to early diagnosis and treatments across the Far North.
Yolisa Tswanya is deputy news director at The Northland Age. An experienced journalist and newsroom leader, she reports on a broad range of issues across the Far North and Northland, with a particular interest in health, education and community affairs.