Breast cancer patients at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Whanganui are now receiving gold-standard care closer to home, thanks to the successful rollout of advanced diagnostic and surgical technology.

The integration of the new mammography machine and nuclear medicine has transformed the way breast cancer is treated locally, making it faster, safer, and more accessible.

On 24 May 2025, a breast cancer patient at Health NZ Whanganui became the first to receive treatment made possible by three interwoven projects championed by Clinical Nurse Coordinator Sarah Clark. It was a moment nearly two years in the making and it changed everything.

“I had tears running down my face,” Sarah shared. “Watching that image pop up and the surgeon able to adjust treatment immediately, it was a clinical and emotional victory for the patient, for the project and most importantly, for our community.”

Previously, patients had to travel to Palmerston North on the morning of surgery for hook-wire placement, often while fasting and under significant stress. Now, they can attend a single, more flexible appointment in Whanganui days or even weeks before surgery, reducing potential anxiety and improving the overall experience.

Sarah, despite having no formal project management experience, brought together teams from BreastScreen Aotearoa, Palmerston North Nuclear Medicine, Health NZ MidCentral, and Lisa Sullivan from Whanganui Hospital’s radiology IT team to make the vision a reality.

“This is a huge win for our community,” said Clinical Nurse Manager, Theatre Services, Kathryn Harding. “Sarah’s leadership and grit have gifted our whānau a service that matches the best in the country. She’s given the community access to safer, faster care right here at home.”

The benefits are already being felt. Surgeons can now analyse tumour specimens in real time using the Trident machine, reducing the need for second surgeries and minimising delays in theatre. This not only improves patient outcomes but also streamlines workflow for nursing staff and allows more efficient use of theatre time. Previously limited to one patient per list, the new system can now accommodate up to three.

Since May 2024, Whanganui has been offering sentinel lymph node injections, with the new technology introduced in September 2024. With all three procedures now fully operational, the service expects to support up to 50 patients each year, performing one to two procedures per week.

By reducing travel, stress, and wait times, this innovation aligns with Health NZ’s goals of improving timeliness of care, access, quality, and workforce efficiency - delivering care that’s not only clinically excellent but also deeply compassionate.

As Kathryn reflects; “Sarah didn’t just implement equipment, she championed equitable care. She showed what’s possible in a small hospital with a big heart.”