FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR CANCER CARE MANNING GREAT LAKES
The Federal Coalition Government is boosting investment to Cancer Care Associates so local cancer patients living in the Manning-Great Lakes region can access radiation therapy services.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Government is increasing access to radiation therapy services for thousands of cancer patients living in rural and regional areas.
“About one-third of people with cancer in Australia live outside our major cities and having better access to treatment will save lives and improve health outcomes for Australians living in regional areas,” Minister Hunt said.
“This new investment of up to $5 million means cancer patients in the Manning-Great Lakes region can access treatment close to home and without incurring out of pocket expenses.
“Our Government continues to invest in and build capacity in Australia’s health system to deliver quality outcomes for all Australians no matter where they live.”
Federal Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie welcomed Minister Hunt’s announcement and said the new radiation oncology facilities that will service the Manning-Great Lakes region would take health service delivery and cancer treatment in the region to the next level.
“There are 95,000 people across the Manning-Great Lakes region that don’t have ready access to radiotherapy services. Cancer patients either have to travel to Newcastle or Port Macquarie to receive radiation oncology treatment,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Knowing that we will soon have this new regional facility here in the Manning-Great Lakes region is great news for those patients and a further demonstration of our government’s commitment to supporting further upgrades to health service delivery here in our region.”
Dr Gillespie congratulated Cancer Care Associates (CCA) on its successful bid to deliver the service.
“CCA has successfully commissioned and managed cancer care, medical imaging and day surgery services for over three decades including radiation oncology and medical oncology services in Sydney and at Wagga Wagga in regional NSW,” Dr Gillespie said.
“It is anticipated Cancer Care Manning Great Lakes will be an integrated service across three sites including Forster Private Hospital, Mayo Private Hospital and Manning Base Hospital.
Chairman of Cancer Care Associates, Tony Noun, said CCA was committed to establishing a state-of-the-art, linear accelerator radiation oncology facility located in the Manning-Great Lakes.
“We have a strong affiliation with regional patients and a unique understanding of their needs. Our experience ensures a Radiation Oncology service located in the Manning-Great Lakes will meet the needs of the entire region,” Mr Noun said.
“Cancer Care Manning Great Lakes is a collaboration between CCA, Healthe Care and local Radiation Oncologists, led by Associate Professor Noel Aherne. CCA has a large team of professionals with a proven track record of innovation and clinical leadership, covering the key roles of radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, medical physicists, engineers, IT specialists and oncology nurses.”
“Cancer Care Manning Great Lakes will be networked to our radiation oncology services in Sydney and Wagga Wagga. A wide range of resources can be shared through this networking providing service efficiencies and greater staff training and collaboration opportunities. The equipment to be installed will match our current services in Sydney, Wagga Wagga and the Radiation Oncology service at Port Macquarie.”
“The Cancer Care Manning Great Lakes service will bring together local care embedded in an experienced comprehensive integrated regional cancer care service,” he added.
The Federal Liberals and Nationals Government has provided $45.5 million over five years to invest in the expansion of cancer treatment capacity throughout regional Australia by enhancing existing and building new health infrastructure.
Funding for this initiative comes from the Government’s Health Infrastructure Program, which is building, upgrading and expanding vital health infrastructure to ensure Australia’s health system is equipped to meet current and future health needs.
Making sure all Australians have the health services and latest treatments where and when they need them remains an Australian Government priority.
