The review relates to an issue with the updating of addresses in the bowel screening register during the pilot programme but does not impact the rolling out of the Bowel Screening programme at Hutt Valley DHB.
You can read the Health Minister’s announcement here: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/national-bowel-screening-programme-be-reviewed
Since the roll out of the screening programme in July last year, eligible residents have been screened and when necessary, accessed preventative treatment for bowel cancer.
The National Bowel Screening Programme is a free programme to detect bowel cancer at an early stage. It is being offered to those residents who are eligible for publically funded healthcare residents (and who are aged between 60 to 74).
Regular bowel screening helps find cancer early, when it can often be successfully treated. This screening can also effectively detect polyps. While these are not cancerous, they may develop into a cancer over a number of years. Most polyps can be easily removed, reducing the risk that bowel cancer will develop.
We are receiving positive feedback from patients, including comments on the efficient and friendly service of the team. One of our participants emailed to say:
“I am very pleased to have taken part in the National Bowel Screening Programme and would encourage others to do the same.”
For further information about the National Bowel Screening Programme, please see: https://www.nsu.govt.nz/national-bowel-screening-programmeor call on 0800 924 432.
If you have any bowel symptoms that concern you, you should contact your GP.
