PHOTO: LAURA SMITHMountainous cancer treatment waiting lists have defeated the Southern District Health Board, which yesterday called for outside help to treat up to 200 people. Those illnesses had been chosen as they had the highest volume of patients, although other cancer patients unable to be treated in-house would be considered on a case-by-case basis. The ODT reported a fortnight ago that cancer treatment waiting times were nearing crisis point, and last Monday, SDHB board member and radiation oncologist Lyndell Kelly said the radiation oncology treatment waiting list stood at a record 157 patients. Steve Carr, a throat cancer patient whose misdiagnosis and delayed treatment contributed to his cancer becoming terminal, spoke out about delays and waiting lists a week ago. It will probably cost the SDHB several million dollars to outsource so many cancer patients, affecting a budget Mr Fleming told a board meeting last week was already under considerable strain.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 12, 2021 16:30 UTC