Central North Island residents living with leukaemia or blood cancer now have better access to support services thanks to a dedicated Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) office space in Hamilton East.

LBC's Midlands office was officially opened by His Excellency Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand.

The Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand Board with His Excellency Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand.

Located at 27 Pembroke Street, the Midlands Office provides a dedicated space for patients, their families and health professionals to gather and gain direct access to a range of LBC support services.

The official opening celebration was well attended by LBC supporters, patients and health professionals, including Waikato DHB ‘Pou Herenga' Kingi Turner and the Waikato Hospital chaplains, who led a blessing including traditional karakia and waiata.

The Governor-General, who is Patron of Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand, said: 'It's good to see Hamilton, New Zealand's fourth largest city, getting a dedicated facility to serve the considerable population in this region and in the Bay of Plenty.”

LBC's CEO Pru Etcheverry says the new office is a significant health resource for the Midlands region.

'When a diagnosis is made, LBC's aim is to ease the burden on people and families during treatment and in the months and years that follow,” they added.

'Having a shared space that is close to Waikato Hospital means people from across the Central North Island will no longer have to travel long distances to access support services, such as forums and educational meetings.”

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand is the only not-for-profit organisation in New Zealand dedicated solely to the care and cure for people living with an blood cancer or related condition.

Support is often tailored to an individual's needs and can come in many forms, including telephone calls, emails and direct face-to-face contact in the hospital, home or in support services offices around the country.

LBC's Support Services Coordinators facilitate a wide range of groups and educational events at locations around New Zealand.