New Zealanders will be able to have suspicious skin spots and moles checked and removed at a local GP clinic as part of a $23 million investment in community healthcare, the Government has announced.
Health Minister, Simeon Brown said New Zealand has among the highest rates of melanoma in the world, with skin cancer our most common cancer.
“For too many New Zealanders, what happens after a suspected skin cancer is spotted depends on where they live. In some parts of the country there are excellent community skin cancer services. In others, the only options are a long hospital wait or paying to go private,” saiid Mr Brown.
The $23 million investment will move more care out of hospitals and into local GP clinics and community services, starting with the removal and treatment of suspicious skin spots and moles, said the Minister. Over time, it will also include cataract follow-up with optometrists, symptomatic bowel cancer detection, and respiratory care, he said.
“This first stage will build on the skin cancer services that already work well across the country, creating a nationally consistent approach to how this care is delivered.”
“A key part of this is funding GPs to upskill, so more clinics can offer this care. That includes training in dermoscopy, which uses a specialised magnifier to examine suspicious spots closely, and skin excision, so those spots can be removed on site rather than in hospital.
“When skin cancer is caught and treated early, outcomes are significantly better for patients. This initiative means more New Zealanders will be able to have suspicious spots checked and removed sooner, without waiting for a hospital appointment or paying to go private.”
