Two Paediatric Oncologists on their way to Capital

                            
Media Release

EMBARGOED TO 00:01, THURSDAY, 3 APRIL 2008

3 April 2008

Two Paediatric Oncologists on their way to Wellington

C&C DHB has confirmed the successful recruitment of two Paediatric Oncologists to be based in the child cancer service at Wellington Hospital.

The pair, both currently working in Germany, have agreed to relocate to New Zealand and are expected to be on board in October this year.

Clinical Director of Child Health, Dr Graeme Lear, said it had been a difficult time for all involved in the service, but the two new staff members brought a wealth of experience to Wellington and the service could now move forward.

“We acknowledge and regret the difficulties experienced by patients, their families and staff over the past few months, but we plan to bring this service back up to a full tertiary Paediatric Oncology Service as soon as possible after the two new staff members begin,” he said.

The successful candidates are Dr Christian Kratz and Dr Mwe Mwe Chao.

Dr Kratz, who studied in Germany, is considered an international leader in his field, with particular interest in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia and other aspects of child health, including paediatric haematology.

Dr Chao studied in the US and her research interests include extracorporeal photopheresis. She has expert knowledge in paediatric haematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation.

“Their expertise will not only be of huge benefit to patients in our region, but will also bring great knowledge to New Zealand as a whole,” Dr Lear said.

In the interim, C&C DHB will continue to work with other DHBs to ensure patients are provided tertiary-level treatment when necessary.

“We would like to sincerely thank Canterbury and Auckland DHBs for their past and ongoing support of our patients and staff over this time,” Dr Lear said.

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