LIMESTONE Coast cancer patients will no longer have to travel for treatment with a new radiation therapy service confirmed for Mount Gambier Hospital.
Yesterday’s announcement that Mount Gambier is one of 13 locations across the country sharing in $63.4m to expand cancer treatment capacity has been welcomed by two of the region’s leading cancer support groups.
Mount Gambier Prostate Cancer Support Group ambassador Richard Harry said the service would take an “enormous” amount of pressure off patients who previously would have to travel to access radiation therapy.
“This is fantastic news for any cancer sufferers who have had to go to Adelaide to access this service,” he said.
“Having it here is just going to make it so much easier for them, because they can have that support from their family and friends.”
Mount Gambier Breast Cancer Awareness Group public officer Karen Peterson echoed Mr Harry’s sentiments.
“This news for women and men is something we have all wanted for a long time, so that people do not have to travel to the cities and leave their families at an emotional time,” Ms Peterson said.
The funding, announced last week by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg as part of the Federal Budget, aims to provide greater access, help and support for people fighting cancer.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said he was thrilled the service would soon be accessible in the Limestone Coast region when celebrating with stakeholders at the Mount Gambier Hospital yesterday.
“The need to provide oncology radiation services in Mount Gambier is something I have been fighting for, over a long period,” Mr Pasin said.
“I’m excited to announce today that Mount Gambier Hospital has been selected to receive a portion of the funding to secure those services.”
He said the service would relieve stress on patients who will no longer have to spend time away from their families.
“Anything we can do to make the fight against cancer somewhat easier or less stressful for any patient is a great thing and that’s exactly what this service will achieve.”
The announcement follows a public plea from the national Radiation Therapy Advisory Group for services in the Limestone Coast, claiming local cancer patients were dying prematurely because of poor access.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the funding sought to address difficulties patients in regional and rural communities faced in accessing radiation therapy.
“A long drive or bus trip for therapy means time, money and inconvenience for patients at this stressful time in their lives.
“Through this funding, we can help patients to overcome these issues, so they and their families can focus on what matters – fighting and beating cancer.”
Mr Hunt said the life-saving treatment was used in 48pc of successful cancer treatments and helped patients avoid expensive and intrusive surgery, “saving thousands of dollars and avoiding long recoveries”.
