New surgical technology brings cancer care closer to home

Patients in the Far North are set to benefit from improved access to breast cancer surgery at Kaitāia Hospital, following funding from Te Hiku Community Board for specialist surgical technology.

The board granted funding for a Gen II Sentimag system and surgical probe at its June meeting earlier this year. The technology helps surgeons identify sentinel lymph nodes during cancer operations, supporting minimally invasive procedures closer to home for patients who would otherwise need to travel to Whangārei Hospital or Auckland for this level of care.

The original funding application was for $59,000, but the hospital secured the equipment for $49,000. The remaining $10,000 was returned to Te Hiku Community Board, ensuring the funding not required for the purchase could be made available to the community.

Kaitāia Hospital provides essential frontline health services to the isolated communities of Te Hiku o Te Ika. Bringing this technology to the Far North is expected to improve access to cancer care for local patients, particularly breast cancer patients, and reduce the need for travel to larger hospitals.

Earlier this week, community board members visited the hospital for a tour and meet-and-greet with surgeons, who explained how the Sentimag system works and the difference it will make for patients and whānau across the Far North.