1. Home
  2. Hansard & Papers
  3. Legislative Assembly
  4. 5 June 2007
Contact Print this page Reduce font size Increase font size

Cancer Care Western New South Wales

Printing Tips | Print selected text | Full Day Hansard Transcript         « Prior Item | Item 30 of 37 | Next Item »

About this Item
Speakers - Turner Mr Russell
Business - Private Members Statements

      CANCER CARE WESTERN NEW SOUTH WALES
Page: 765

      Mr RUSSELL TURNER (Orange) [5.56 p.m.]: Last Saturday evening Cancer Care Western New South Wales held a fundraising dinner in Orange which was attended by 250 guests, including Verity Firth, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer). The dinner launched a campaign to raise funds to build affordable accommodation for those who will seek cancer treatment when radiotherapy services are available at the new hospital in Orange. An article in the Central Western Daily states:
      The launch of Cancer Care Western NSW's first DVD was boosted yesterday with a $3000 grant to produce multiple copies.
      The DVD, which reveals the story of local cancer victims and their struggles to access radiotherapy services in Sydney, will officially be launched at a fundraising dinner on Saturday, June 2.
      I thank the Cancer Council for donating the funds for the DVD, and I congratulate it on its work in assisting cancer sufferers and raising funds throughout the Central West. Last year I took a delegation to visit the Wagga Wagga facility, which is one of the major regional centres in New South Wales providing radiotherapy services. I note the support not only of the Coalition, but also of the Federal and State governments. All councils in the Central West acknowledge the urgent need for radiotherapy services in the Central West. The Federal and State governments and the State Coalition acknowledge that Orange is the suitable site for such services. An article in the Central Western Daily of 20 November 2006 states:

      "We're committed to putting a radiotherapy unit into Orange," Mr Hatzistergos [the Minister for Health at the time] said. "Before this Government came to office there was no radiotherapy in any regional or rural part of the State."
      The commitment came only days after Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott backed Orange as the best location for a radiotherapy unit."
      Mr Hatzistergos went on to state:

      Next year we will be opening two for the first time in a rural location

      I understand they are Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie—

      and following that we will be planning for the next two in Lismore and Orange.

      During the last State election campaign, I made a very strong commitment to the establishment of a radiotherapy unit. I am sure that the necessary funds will be available well in time for the opening of the radiotherapy unit when this Government gets around to construction of the new hospital. I acknowledge and congratulate cancer survivors Carmel Hanrahan and Corinne Stringer on their ongoing commitment to fundraising. They were the prime motivators behind 20,000 signatures I presented in a petition to Parliament. People have called on the Government to introduce radiotherapy services in the central western part of the State. I acknowledge that the cost will be approximately $20 million and will require a joint funding arrangement between the State and Federal governments.

      Almost as important as having appropriate facilities is having appropriate staff, including specialists. While considerable support from St Vincent's Hospital was needed in Wagga Wagga in the first couple of years, the facilities are now stand-alone, which proves that specialists will practise in the bush if appropriate facilities are available and if, sadly, sufficient patients require treatment and long-term funding is assured. I call on the Government to fast track construction so that radiotherapy facilities will be available at the new Orange Base Hospital.


Last modified 05/12/2007 16:46:20   :   Update this page