Some Southland and Otago cancer patients are being sent to Christchurch and other hospitals for treatment amid a crippling doctor shortage.
Dunedin Hospital has recently stopped key services for patients with brain tumours, gynecologic cancer, and benign tumours, as well as some forms of stereotactic treatment for which it holds the national contract.
Dunedin has only half the number of radiation oncology consultants needed to serve the region, meaning patients are spending several weeks away from home.
Te Whatu Ora Te Waipounamu director for hospital and specialist services Dan Pallister-Coward spoke to Corin Dann.
