Child cancer treatments rescheduled at Starship amid nurse shortages

<p><a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/25/health-nz-380-new-frontline-roles-nurse-to-patient-ratios-considered/" target="_blank">Health New Zealand</a> has confirmed Starship children's hospital in Auckland has rescheduled some child cancer treatments due to nursing staff shortages. </p> <p>Starship's director of medical and community Dr Greg Williams said "paediatric haematology/oncology service is managing nursing staff shortages at a time of high demand and clinical complexity," he said. </p> <p>"As a result of these shortages, we have had to reschedule some treatments, to ensure our services can still be delivered safely, within capacity, while remaining within reasonable timeframes." </p> <p>Williams said the decisions were "not made lightly and are based on clinical need". </p> <p>"We want to reassure parents and families that their children will get the clinical care and support they need... Patient safety and high-quality care is always our highest priority." </p> <p>He added that the hospital was "recruiting experienced and new graduate nurses as quickly as possible".