One Sick Unit - Video

When our baby boy was diaognosed with a rare type of cancer at eleven mounths old our lives were turned upside down. We were imediately sent to chrischurch. the first of dozens of flights away from home, then we were told we had to move to Austrailia. We spent six months at Royal childrens hospital in Brisbane. he was givin the all clear ,but the cancer came back which ment dozens more trips away from home, between chrischurch and Auckand.A routine that went on for years, like all the other people in New Zealand living in small towns with sick children this is something that we just have to do. Never once did our little boy complain about Traveling and neither did we or his two brothers, we had one focus, to get him well. So some people in wellington have to travel for there sick children, a small price to pay I would have thought.

While this story is upsetting for Wellington families, the other areas this unit covered had to travel anyway. If you were from Palmerston North, you had to change hospitals and meet new staff and travel - just like the Wellington people interviewed are now complaining they will have to do. From PN it was 1 hour to Auckland by plane plus travel time to Starship (never more than half an hour in our numerous trips there) or 2 hours by car to Wellington - and to a unit that was never that great by comparison. I know I am pleased we went to Auckland for surgery and to their Oncologists. Wellington families will be no worse off - Child Cancer Foundation will support the family with travel costs. They will be just like those from outside their area that had previously had to travel to Wellington. Why push for a 2nd rate unit when you can get quality treatment in Auckland and Christchurch? If your kids life is at risk - as it is - go for the best treatment and care over location any time! I know, we've been there.