39335 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

39335 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter January to March 2024 on the recommended focus area ‘Te Aho o Te Kahu to develop and monitor clear, person and whānaucentred clinical service pathways, outlining the ‘default’ in terms of treatment pathways, referral pathways, where and how MDMs are held, allied health requirements, follow-up/surveillance and palliative and end of life care requirements. Options are built into the system to address existing inequities, with opportunity for deliberate deviation from the pathway to meet patient/whānau needs, priorities and selfdetermination’ under ‘System-wide solution 3: cancer service distribution and delivery’ in the Cancer Control Agency ’Cancer Services Planning’ document?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that the development of Optimal Cancer Care Pathways is substantially complete and the Cancer Control Agency – Te Aho of Te Kahu is engaging with Health New Zealand over its implementation. Work to advance this continued during this quarter (January to March 2024).