April 18, 2018
Bowel tests lost in paperwork
Bowel Cancer New Zealand says it’s unacceptable more than 15,000 Waitemata residents missed out on a free bowel screening programme because of data errors.
The district health board running what was supposed to be a pilot for a national programme now says many people didn't receive invitations for free bowel screening because of problems tracing people who didn't have up-to-date addresses in the National Health Index.
Bowel Cancer NZ spokesperson Mary Bradley says people in the target age range should be able to self-refer to the screening programme.
She says it’s important screening programmes are designed to reach groups who can face barriers to accessing GPs, such as people on low incomes and Maori and Pacific New Zealanders.
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