Yes, I get it too Maureen. I also hate the inconsistencies we have in our NZ system. It took 2 years before Kris was even seen by the hospital dentist. By then all his remaining teeth were affected. All needed to be root Canalled and he needed a plate made to support remaining teeth and jaw. He has just had his "annual" dental checkup and now requires 5 more fillings.
Kris also needs HME's for his Laryngectomy Stoma. If we were in the Waitakere, Waikato, Wellington or Christchurch DHB areas, he would have them provided. Northland and Auckland do not provide them . I am sick of banging my head against that brick wall. It really is time I took this further. Time to personally write to the CEO of the DHB. Time to see our local MP. Time to write to the Ministry.
Oh yes, I feel your frustrations.
Tammy

Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!