The Head and Neck Cancer Support Network, chaired by Diana Ayling, advocates for equitable access to humidifiers for head and neck cancer patients. The letter, addressed to Health Minister Dr. Ayesha Verrall and Nicola Hill of Te Aho o Te Kahu, highlights an inconsistency in humidifier provision across Auckland and Northland, where some services offer these devices while others, like Waitematā, do not. This disparity in post-treatment support is described as "postcode care" and may disproportionately impact Māori and Pacific communities. The Network seeks to collaborate with Te Pae Ora and Te Aho o Te Kahu to address this inequity in patient support.

Letter to the Minister of Health

Reply from the Minister of Health