40007 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

40007 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the last quarter (January to March 2024) 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 January - March 2024 quarter, work was progressed on four infrastructure projects and several actions to maintain and expand technology and treatment capacity for radiation oncology. These projects include: - A new radiation oncology facility is being developed in Hawke's Bay; replacing capacity currently provided in Palmerston North. - Linear Accelerator (LINAC) replacement in Auckland. - A new radiation oncology facility is being developed in Taranaki; replacing capacity currently provided in Palmerston North - A new radiation oncology facility and redevelopment of the Jim Carney Cancer Centre in Northland - LINAC upgrades and replacements where funding has been agreed, including work on three new placements which will be operational by 2026. - Modelling of future LINAC requirements and recommended placements for Tranche 2, which would include four additional LINACs, has been developed for consideration within Budget 2025. - Continuing international recruitment of radiation oncologists and radiation therapists.