October 02, 2018
New centre needed for bowel test boost
Health Minister David Clark says a new endoscopy and gastroenterology unit at Hawke’s Bay Hospital means more coordinated and accessible care for those affected by bowel conditions.
The $13m Ruakōpito facility he opened in Hastings this morning will help the Hawke's Bay DHB manage an expected increase in colonoscopy screening created by it joining the National Bowel Screening programme.
Bowel cancer is the most commonly registered cancer for both men and women in the region.
Dr Clark says the screening programme is particularly keen to encourage Māori and Pasifika people to participate.
Māori are often diagnosed later with symptoms of bowel cancer which can result in worse outcomes.
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