Reducing Inequalities

Addressing inequalities cuts across all initiatives within the Midland Cancer Network.  The Midland Cancer Network reducing inequalties work programme 2010 priority initiatives include:

• improve timely access and outcomes of 2009-2010 priority cancers - lung and bowel
• develop a Midland supportive care services directory
• re-audit Midland Māori women breast cancer treatment waiting times and identify barriers and solutions to timely access to services
• identify and develop current services within each DHB that builds cultural competency within the cancer workforce
• improve and increase Midland access to PET-CT scans
• support BreastScreen Midland to increase Māori and Pacific screening rates
• explore implications of implementing Suspected Cancer in Primary Care: Guidance for Referral and Reducing Disparities Guidlines for priority cancers - lung and bowel
• actively participate in the New Zealand Guidelines Group and consortiums on the National Guidelines Implementation Plan project
• promote early detection of lung cancer project (a Service Development Fund initiative)

 Documents

• MCN Māori Governance Links
• Promote Early Detection of Lung Cancer Project Proposal

Other regional reducing inequalities initiatives

Te Kahui Hauora Trust (Rotorua) has secured a Ministry of Health contract to provide a three year (pilot) community cancer support service centred on reducing health inequalities and disparities amongst Māori. The pilot commenced in 2008.

Oranga Tane Māori is a joint research project between Te Puna Oranga (Waikato DHB Māori Health Service) and the Auckland University. The research will investigate the barriers and enablers for Māori men who have existing chronic diseases (including cancer) and then use the information and knowledge to improve pathway responsiveness to Māori men. The research is supported by a grant from the Health Research Council of New Zealand (DHB Māori Health Research Fund) and will get underway in 2009.