Christchurch Radiology Group PET/CT scanner Official Opening

I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.  

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the morning (Sign).

I then specifically greet you: Andrew Long, Chairman of the Christchurch Radiology Group and your radiologists and support staff; Ian McPherson, Chief Executive of Southern Cross Healthcare; Dorothy Paton, Southern Cross Hospital Christchurch Manager; Brendan Burns and Nicky Wagner, members of Parliament , Your Worship Bob Parker, Mayor of Christchurch; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for inviting me to the official opening of Southern Cross Hospital’s new PET/CT scanner housed in the new wing of this hospital.  I would like to speak of New Zealand’s health care sector and the role that this new technology plays in dealing with New Zealand cancer sufferers.

Good health is something that is hugely important for each and every New Zealander. However, it is often taken for granted and only when a person is sick, do they realise the blessing of good health.  As one whose parents were medical in the family, a general practitioner and a nurse, and as someone who has encountered a few health issues over the years, I can readily understand the words of Mahatma Gandhi, who spoke of the value of good health, saying:  “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”

The ‘C’ word is something that no one ever wants to hear when receiving a diagnosis from a health professional. However, the disease, in all its forms, is on the rise in this country. The latest figures available, released by the Ministry of Health in April this year, show that more than 18,800 cancers were registered in New Zealand in 2006.  This means that, between 1996 and 2006, the number of registrations increased by 16%.

According to the Ministry, cancer is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of hospitalisation in New Zealand . It reports that one in three New Zealanders will have some experience of cancer, either personally, or through a relative or friend, in their lifetime .

These numbers and percentages stack up to reveal a disease that affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of Kiwis, either directly or indirectly, each year. It is therefore so important that healthcare stays in step with medical advancements.

Beating cancer involves a combination of personal lifestyle changes, support from friends and family, medical initiatives and community support. In the same way, making sure that New Zealanders suffering from this disease are taken care of in the best way possible, collaboration between the public sector and the private sector is essential.

Medical advancement in the detection of cancer cells has come a long way over the years. This new $2.5 million PET/CT scanner is one such example of these advancements.

The technical people tell me that the scanner uses what is known as “positron emission tomography” (PET), with “computerised tomography” (CT). In layman’s language, this means that it produces highly sensitive images that locate cancer hotspots.

I extend congratulations to the Christchurch Radiology Group for buying this scanner with the purpose of ensuring patients receive the right treatment. Helping patients avoid unnecessary surgery or biopsies has many benefits . Obviously, from the time of diagnosis, cancer sufferers are already under enormous physical and emotional stress, and avoiding lengthy delays is important.

This state-of-the-art machine will also curb the numbers of New Zealanders needing to be referred to Australian PET centres each year – which I understand is about 200  – since up until now there has only been one available in Wellington.

I extend congratulations to everyone involved in the organising, buying and installing this multi-million dollar PET/CT scanner.  Being the first scanner of its kind in the South Island, and the second in the country, it is an important milestone that should be celebrated.

And on that note of anticipation in the work that this PET/CT scanner will carry out, I will close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours.   

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.

It is with pleasure that I announce the new purpose-built facility at this Southern Cross Hospital in Christchurch, and the new PET/CT scanner housed within it, officially open.