Yesterday in a speech to the NSW Parliament’s Upper House, Greens MP Ian Cohen called for the long awaited Lismore radiotherapy unit to be fast tracked.
Ian Cohen gave a commitment at a public meeting on the North Coast, to lobby the government to deliver on its promise to provide the community with this important public health facility.
“I have been moved by the number of people contacting my office on this issue, including the renowned cookbook author, writer, chef and television presenter – Belinda Jeffrey.
“The lineal accelerator and radiotherapy unit at Lismore Base Hospital must be fast-tracked. Local people have been campaigning on this issue, but the State Government appears not to have heard their pleas,” said Mr Cohen.
“The unit is in the latter stages of planning but this year the Government has budgeted only another $145,000 for it—people complain to me that more money is spent refurbishing certain Ministers' offices.
“The radiotherapy unit will cost more than $25 million, with the Government projecting that it won’t be completed until 2012 to 2014.
“At present private patients can travel to the Gold Coast for radiotherapy treatment but public patients must travel to Brisbane or Coffs Harbour—if they are lucky enough to get a place on the treatment list.
“Many people cannot afford financially, physically or mentally to travel those sorts of distances to receive treatment. Therefore, they are forgoing radiotherapy treatment.
“As improving regional health services is a priority for the Greens, I’m also supporting the push for adequate facilities to be fast tracked at the Tweed Hospital,” concluded Mr Cohen.
Further Information: Ian Cohen - 0409 989 466
For a copy of Ian’s adjournment speech, go to:
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/PARLMENT/hansArt.nsf/V3Key/LC20070925030
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