Govt Lays Out Plan for Faster Cancer Treatment and Improved Health Targets

New radiography machines for cancer treatment and expanded access to stem cell transplantation in major centres will further enhance cancer care.

Health Minister Dr. Shane Reti has outlined a comprehensive plan to improve key health services, including faster cancer treatment, increased immunisation rates, and shorter stays in emergency departments. During a visit to Hutt Valley Hospital, Dr. Reti detailed how the government will achieve these ambitious targets.

“Earlier this year, we announced a new direction for health, focusing on five critical targets: faster cancer treatment, increasing childhood immunisation, shorter emergency department stays, and quicker assessments and treatments for patients,” said Dr. Reti.

The government plans to establish more community infusion centres to provide chemotherapy closer to patients' homes, expand the number of beds and operating theatres in public hospitals, and make greater use of private hospital capacity. There will also be improvements in separating acute and planned care to reduce surgical cancellations.

New radiography machines for cancer treatment and expanded access to stem cell transplantation in major centres will further enhance cancer care. Special attention will be given to patients who have been waiting over a year for assessments or treatment.

Dr. Reti emphasized the importance of clear targets to maintain performance, with Health New Zealand committed to achieving these goals within existing resources. Regular, transparent reporting will ensure accountability.

The government is investing $30 billion annually in health, with a focus on cutting wasteful spending and delivering better outcomes for all New Zealanders. “These targets will ensure every New Zealander experiences the benefits, no matter when or where they access healthcare. Targets save lives,” Dr. Reti concluded.