By Phil Pennington of RNZ
Te Whatu Ora has confirmed just 70 per cent of patients are getting their their first appointment within a month, not the 90 per cent it previously told RNZ.
The health agency claimed three times to RNZ last week that 90 per cent of cancer patients in the southern district were being seen on time.
Advocate Melissa Vining protested that many patients were getting letters advising of waits up to three times too long - 12 weeks till a first appointment with a specialist oncology doctor, instead of the targeted four weeks.
Te Whatu Ora has now said only 70 per cent of patients are getting their first appointment within a month.
Southern director for hospital and specialist services Dan Pallister-Coward, who made the earlier erroneous claims, backtracked his comments in a statement to RNZ.
“We clarify that the reference of 90 per cent of patients starting treatment within expected timeframes refers to the waiting time after a patient has had their First Specialist Appointment (FSA) and before radiation treatment commences.
“We apologise for any confusion it has caused.”
On Monday, he made no distinction when RNZ asked him if the district was falling short: “No, I don’t think we are. I think the fact that we are delivering 90 per cent of that and achieving a number of targets ...”
Among the 30 per cent not getting a first appointment on time, the worst affected groups are among the...
FIRST ON FOX: A Mexican national who voted illegally in U.S. elections and falsely claimed to be a citizen has been convicted and could face removal under federal immigration law. The Department o...