Anglesea Hospital begins a new initiative – Direct Access Colonoscopy.
New Zealand has one of the highest bowel cancer rates in the world and is the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand.
Anglesea Hospital has initiated a new service in conjunction with Surgeons on Clarence offering direct access colonoscopy to the people of Waikato & the surrounding communities.
Bowel screening can help save lives by detecting bowel cancers at an early stage, when they can be treated more successfully. This is important, as there may be no warning signs or symptoms that bowel cancer is developing.
“Direct access colonoscopy offers many advantages including an easy, prompt service which is cheaper for the patient as they are not paying for that initial specialist appointment.” says Chief Executive Nicky van Praagh.
People can access this service by either obtaining a referral from their GP or by phoning the hospital directly. They would be seen by a specially trained nurse and booked in for a colonoscopy.
“For us to reduce mortality from bowel cancer we have to be proactive”. Says Dr Simione Lolohea. “The best way to diagnose it is to have a colonoscopy.”
“Bowel screening acts as a preventative by detecting polyps which may develop into cancer if left untreated. Most polyps can be easily removed, reducing the risk that bowel cancer will develop”
For further information on this service phone Anglesea Hospital 07 957 4915
