Health shake-up: What will this mean for cancer patients?
20 Apr, 2021 08:54 PM
4 minutes to read
Blair Vining, who died of bowel cancer at the age of 39, worked tirelessly to help dramatically improve the health system. Photo / Layton Findlater
Blair Vining, who died of bowel cancer at the age of 39, worked tirelessly to help dramatically improve the health system. Photo / Layton Findlater
When New Zealand lost Invercargill cancer patient Blair Vining there was anger in the air.
The 39-year-old, with the support of his family, dedicated his last months on Earth to fighting for better cancer care across New Zealand.
His doctor and top oncologist Chris Jackson said this new health system would help save lives like Vining - who was told he was dying of bowel cancer and would have to wait eight weeks for an urgent appointment.
Health system reforms: Grieving families speak out on end of postcode lottery care
21 Apr, 2021 05:00 PM
7 minutes to read
All of New Zealand s 20 District Health Boards will be replaced by one, single national health body responsible for the running of all hospitals, the Government has revealed.
All of New Zealand s 20 District Health Boards will be replaced by one, single national health body responsible for the running of all hospitals, the Government has revealed.
Emma Russell is a health reporter for the New Zealand Heraldemma.russell@nzherald.co.nz
A grieving widow whose dying husband was told to wait eight weeks for an urgent specialist assessment says she will grow old alone and her children are without a father.