Christchurch Hospital’s cancer services have reached breaking point.

The Canterbury District Health Board’s oncology department is running well below its usual capacity – and 275 appointments are expected to be delayed over the next few weeks.

Cancer Society medical director Dr Chris Jackson told Newstalk Christchurch demand for cancer services nationwide has been growing exponentially – and there’s a serious shortage of trained staff.

He says specialists don’t grow on trees – and DHBs have been quite short-sighted in their planning. Jackson hopes the new National Cancer Agency will make growing the workforce a priority.

Christchurch Cancer survivor Tracey told Chris Lynch her October appointment – to investigate a concerning lymph node – has been cancelled, and staff aren’t yet sure when it can be rescheduled.

She says the DHB needs to make sure people’s appointments are on time.

“This is people’s lives, it is live changing stuff, it’s just horrendous really.”