\u201cIn many situations, time is critical. Being able to scan patients locally will mean better outcomes for people needing emergency or cancer care.\u201d<\/p>\n
The scanner is expected to be operational by mid-2027, with additional staff to be recruited as the service expands.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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 Kait\u0101ia Hospital delivers better access to care, closer to home.\u201d <\/p>\n
Cancer Society Northland supportive care nurse lead Annette Shannon-Berghan said the scanner would make a significant difference for Far North patients.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do a significant number of transporting clients down to Whang\u0101rei, not just for treatment, but for scans and all the preparations that happen before treatment.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor our wh\u0101nau there, having to come down to Whang\u0101rei is quite an impact, especially for our patients.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said transport is often a major barrier for many patients, with members of the team transporting patients on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of it is people\u2019s social situation. Some people don\u2019t have transport, some don\u2019t have support and some can\u2019t afford travel costs. Our Far North area is definitely the area where we do the most transports \u2026 it is sort of a huge equity issue within our Far North area.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local National MP Grant McCallum said he was repeatedly approached by Kait\u0101ia Hospital staff and emergency services about the need for a CT scanner and took the concerns to Brown.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great news for Kait\u0101ia. It will make a massive difference to the health and wellbeing of the people of Kait\u0101ia and the Far North.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He said the new addition to the hospital will deliver better health outcomes for Far North residents and financial savings.<\/p>\n
\u201cTurns out this isn\u2019t 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 Whang\u0101rei for scans, and many are reimbursed for those costs. Having a scanner in Kait\u0101ia means those trips are no longer necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a lot of people who can\u2019t get to Whang\u0101rei. You can go on the bus, but then you\u2019ve got to sit there all day and wait to get back.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said travelling long distances while unwell can worsen existing health conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt just makes things worse.\u201d<\/p>\n