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Patrick Newton was a chef in the New Zealand Army and was 31 years old when diagnosed with bowel cancer. “He was just a really genuine person who was always doing something for his friends and family. “He always had time for you and was really thoughtful, he got you the nicest presents for birthdays and Christmas. He was just a really good guy.” Although time has passed, memories of Newton have not faded, neither has the pain of losing someone unexpectedly to a disease which claims the lives of about 100 Kiwis each month. Late in 2020, after 12 years in the army, Matthews decided she wanted a career change. Study was an option but she wanted to travel first.
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“The planning, clinical oversight and monitoring of the National Bowel Screening Programme (NBSP) prioritises numerous safeguards to ensure that screening does not negatively impact service provision for symptomatic patients,” a ministry spokesman said. Demand for colonoscopy appointments had been expected to increase by 20 per cent due to the programme roll-out, but had actually increased by 30 per cent. “It’s happened earlier than expected and right across the country.”
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Six DHBs were given the green light to roll out a national bowel cancer screening programme despite being behind with colonoscopy waiting time targets. The increased demand was driven by the country s increasing and ageing population, coupled with a greater awareness of bowel cancer, the spokesman said.