A cancer patient given eight weeks to live, was told he faced a 12-week wait to see a specialist.

His story is part of a critical report by the nation's health watchdog into the Southern District Health Board, now Te Whatu Ora Southern.

It reveals significant delays in delivering non-surgical cancer care between 2016 and 2022 harmed patients - and breached their rights.

Te Whatu Ora Southern says it apologises unreservedly to patients who have experienced distress - and are implementing change.

Nick Leggett asked callers on Wellington Mornings whether things were just as bad in the capital, and spoke with Marty.

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