Cancer nurse coordinators for New Zealand

New Zealand will receive 40 cancer nurse coordinators as part of the government’s plans to spend $101 million on improving frontline health services over the next four years.

Health Minister Tony Ryall announced $33 million in funds, earmarked in the 2012 budget, will build on the work of successful programs such as the lung cancer clinical nurse specialists at Canterbury District Health Board.

Mr Ryall said the group of dedicated cancer nurse coordinators will provide a direct and single point of contact for patients and their families.

“Research shows some cancer patients can come into contact with up to 28 doctors and even more nurses throughout their treatment,” he said.

The government is also working to reduce patients’ waiting times for treatment, with plans for departments to coordinate appointments on just one day to prevent patients having to visit hospital on multiple days for different tests.

The nation’s peak nursing body, which represents 46,000 nurses, has welcomed the funds to bolster cancer care but criticised plans to increase the cost of prescriptions in a move designed to raise $60 million.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku said the government was giving with one hand and taking with the other.

“We are pleased to see improvements to cancer care. Forty extra nurses will make a