Te Whatu Ora's decision to halt the age extension of bowel screening for Māori and Pasifika peoples in Waikato from 4 December has left many without access to potentially life-saving tests.
Pinnacle Inc’s clinical director, Dr Jo Scott-Jones, said the sudden end of the programme came as a “shock” and will have significant implications for whānau health outcomes and trust in the system.
Of Pinnacle’s approximately 265,000 patients in Waikato, around 45,000 are Māori. Across the network’s region of Waikato, Tairāwhiti, Taranaki, and Lakes, it is estimated around 95,000 Māori individuals are not enrolled with a general practice.
“Te Whatu Ora’s explanation that this was the planned end of the Waikato part of a pilot involving Waikato, Tairāwhiti, and Mid-Central did not address why this announcement was made after the effective onset date and without preparation or time for discussion,” said Dr Scott-Jones.
The age extension ran in Waikato for two years, during which time Dr Scott-Jones said approximately 12,300 people were invited as part of the pilot. Of these, 4,400 completed a screening test, 164 tests were positive, and six cancers were detected.
Dr Scott-Jones said time was needed to plan new health promotion materials, remove materials detailing the age extension, and update automated patient prompt settings within practice management systems.
“We acknowledge Te Whatu Ora apologised for the sudden announcement. However, previously eligible Māori and Pasifika aged 50-59 in Waikato are now likely being referred or asking for bowel screening tests to be sent out to them, only to be rejected. This will do nothing but harm people's trust in the system.
“The majority of those with a positive test but no cancer will have had polyps that could later have become cancers removed.
“These numbers represent whānau whose lives have been saved from significant harm or death, while also highlighting the future whānau who will miss out on this benefit. Detecting cancers early not only improves health outcomes but also reduces costs and resource demands on the health system over time.”
Dr Scott-Jones questioned the decision to end the pilot. “If Te Whatu Ora felt the pilot was successful, they surely would not stop it at this stage. Whilst the age extension continues in Tairāwhiti and Mid-Central until next year, we fear this represents a significant withdrawal from this programme.”
“Māori deserve a bowel screening programme that works for them. As the majority of bowel cancers in Māori are diagnosed under the age of 60, it makes no sense to start a screening programme after this age.”
Pinnacle continues to encourage everyone aged 60-74 years to participate in the bowel screening programme. Māori and Pacific peoples aged 50-59 in Waikato who have already been invited are urged to take advantage of the programme. “Our advice is that if you did not participate yet, ask your GP or ring 0800 924 432 and request a kit sent while you still can.”