5269 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

5269 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress has been made in the last quarter (October to December 2023) to ‘Invest in workforce, technology and treatment capacity for radiation oncology’ under Outcome 4: New Zealanders have better cancer survival, supportive care and end-of-life care, as part of the New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2019 – 2029?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the October- December 2023 quarter, work was progressed on four infrastructure projects to maintain and expand technology and treatment capacity for radiation oncology. These projects include: • Te Matau a Māui Hawke’s Bay: a new radiation oncology facility being developed; replacing capacity currently provided in Palmerston North. • Te Toka Tumai Auckland: Linear Accelerator replacement. • Taranaki: a new radiation oncology facility is being developed; replacing capacity currently provided in Palmerston North • Te Tai Tokerau: a new radiation oncology facility and redevelopment of the Jim Carney Cancer Centre I am further advised that to expand workforce capacity, four radiation oncologists trainees and two radiation oncologist fellowship positions are being funded by Health New Zealand in 2024, and new guidelines are being developed to enable appropriately qualified radiation therapists to work to the top of their scope, maximising their skills and providing a career pathway.