The Manning-Great Lakes region will have access to a new Cancer Unit after federal Health Minister Greg Hunt signed off on a package of measures aimed at expanding cancer treatment capacity through new radiation therapy services in 13 regional locations.
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Through the week I announced the inclusion of Taree in the package.
There is a massive upgrade and transformation taking place in the health services across the Manning-Great Lakes with the redevelopment of Manning Base Hospital, the new hospital announced for Forster-Tuncurry, the Newcastle University medical and nursing programs and recently I announced a new multi-million dollar MRI Service licence for the Manning Base Hospital.
This is another significant milestone in health service delivery with the announcement that Taree will be included in the $63-million boost for radiation therapy services in regional Australia.
The funding is in addition to the $6 billion a year the Federal Coalition Government provides for cancer treatments and services.
Currently cancer patients throughout the Manning, Great Lakes and Gloucester have to travel to Port Macquarie or Newcastle for radiation oncology treatment.
Radiation therapy is another important component in modern day cancer treatment helping to save many lives. It is absolutely vital that our region has access to these services and I'm absolutely thrilled to be announcing the Minister has signed off on this important initiative which will include Taree and other important centres across regional Australia.