A million dollar boost for Hawke's Bay's endoscopy unit - responsible for spotting bowel cancer

The Government's announced a third procedure room at the Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, to increase capacity for procedures such as colonoscopies.

Health Minister Simeon Brown says endoscopy is critical for the early detection and treatment of bowel conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers and cancer.

He says the two other rooms are operating at capacity all week, with increasing demand lengthening wait times.

Brown says recruitment for the expansion is underway.