Page calls on NSW Government to expedite radiotherapy unit
Member for Ballina Don Page has called on the State Labor Government to expedite the construction of the radiotherapy unit at Lismore Base Hospital. This comes on the back of the Federal Government’s announcement that it will kick in another $2 million on top of the $8 million they have already committed to the project.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Page said the Radiotherapy Unit will be a regional facility designed to care for people on the coast as well as those inland.
“I welcome the Deputy Prime Minister, Mark Vaile’s, announcement on Thursday and urge the State Labor Government to get on with this project to enable them to take up this offer,” Mr Page said.
The Federal funding comes on the proviso that construction of Stage 2 commences in 2008.
“The capital budget for the radiotherapy unit was $16 million when originally announced in 2004. That has now blown out to $23million due to the State Governments lack of action,” Mr Page said.
“This project is a priority for the Northern Rivers region, but the State Government keep putting it on the back burner. Their original promise was for the unit to be completed by January 2008. With construction not even under way that is clearly not going to be the case.
“The situation at the moment means that public cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment are required to travel to Coffs Harbour, Brisbane or Sydney for treatment. They must pay the cost of travelling and accommodation themselves.
“The Northern Rivers region is a low-income area. There are in excess of 1700 people diagnosed with cancer each year in this region, and the number is growing.
“This region needs a radiotherapy unit now. The requirement to travel large distances adds to the stress of dealing with a diagnosis of cancer for patients and their families.
“Radiotherapy treatment often involves a minimum of 60 seconds daily for 31 days over six weeks. I know of some people who have chosen not to have treatment at all for this reason.
“I call in the State Government to commit to this project and to expedite its construction as a matter of urgency.”
