Printed from https://fyi.org.nz/request/30066-colonoscopies-at-palmerston-north-hospital on July 25, 2025 15:15

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Colonoscopies at Palmerston North Hospital

Bettie McDonald made this Official Information request to Health New Zealand

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From: Bettie McDonald

Dear Health New Zealand,

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen, a mother, and a grandmother who has lived in this country for many decades. I dont know much about the law, but I do know that this is not the New Zealand I grew up in - where people in need of medical care were looked after and not left to fend for themselfs.

I have read about the decision to pause surveillance colonoscopys at Palmerston North Hospital, and it deeply worrys me. Many of us have family members who rely on regular check-ups to stay ahead of serious illnesses like bowel cancer. It is heartbreaking to think that people, including grandparents like myself, might not get the care they need in time.

My family is everything to me, and like many other older New Zealanders, I just want to enjoy my time with my grandkids without the constant worry of health issues being overlooked. I cant imagine the stress this is causing for those affected, who are left in limbo, wondering if they should pay thousands of dollars out of there own pockets or just hope for the best.

I understand that hospitals are struggling with staffing and resources, but surely there must be a better way. I would like to know what is being done to fix this situation. Are there plans to hire more doctors? Will the goverment step in to help? How long will it be before things return to normal? How were patients chosen for these delays? Were doctors and nurses consulted before this decision was made? What alternative options are being provided for those who can’t afford private healthcare? Have you considered how this affects not only the patients but their families who care for them?

I may not be an expert in healthcare policies, but I do believe in fairness and looking after each other. I would appreciate a simple and honest explanation about why this is happening and what can be done to make sure people like me and my family are not left behind.

I hope that something will be done to get things back on track so that no one has to suffer unnecessairly.

Yours faithfully,

Bettie McDonald

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From: hnzCorrespondence

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Kia ora Bettie, 

Thank you for your email. 

Health New Zealand (Health NZ) are encouraging any patients with symptoms
or concerns about their bowel health to see their GP who will work through
options with the service. 

Health NZ can confirm that the national bowel screening programme in the
MidCentral region is not impacted, or symptomatic colonoscopies.

Surveillance colonoscopies are performed for patients who have a higher
risk of developing bowel cancer due to their previous medical history or
their family medical history, but do not currently have symptoms.

Palmerston North Hospital have taken several actions already to create
more capacity including: the provision of additional weekly and weekend
clinic sessions, some private outsourcing, locum Gastroenterologist
support, and they are actively recruiting to fill their workforce
vacancies; however, even with this additional work, they are still needing
to prioritise acute referrals.

We are committed to working towards a solution for the management of the
increased demand for the service.

Thanks, 

Government Services

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

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