Action has been promised by MidCentral Health to curb long waiting times for cancer treatment in Manawatu, Palmerston North hospital doctor Johan Nel says.
Dr Nel said waiting times at Palmerston North Hospital of up to 19 weeks in some cases, are as much as four times longer than national guidelines stipulate.
He said oncologists were told by the district health board before Christmas to stop sending patients to Melbourne for treatment, which they had been doing for the past two years.
Dr Nel said he and his colleagues had a frank discussion with hospital management on Monday afternoon.
The hospital has now committed to finding placement for the patients in other New Zealand centres or, if need be, send patients to Australia again, he said.
He said his decision to go public on the issue has resulted in "real action."
MidCentral Health general manager Lareen Cooper said it will take time to reduce the waiting list.
Ms Cooper said the hospital is working hard to replace staff who are leaving.
