Umina campaigner savours success

Umina campaigner Ms Kathy Smith feels she has succeeded in her three-year battle to have a public radiation therapy unit on the Central Coast.

Ms Smith of Cancer Voices NSW said she was overwhelmed with joy when she heard the Federal Government's funding promise of $28.6 million and the State Government's contribution of $10 million to establish a Central Coast Regional Cancer Centre at Gosford Hospital.

She said the government's commitment would ensure local cancer patients had access to affordable and convenient cancer treatment.

"It was getting to the stage where cancer patients on the Central Coast were giving up on life-saving treatment because they couldn't afford local private treatment," Ms Smith said.

"Central Coast cancer patients have had two options, to either pay a fortune for private treatment or travel to Sydney or Newcastle for public treatment.

"For patients to access private treatment locally, they are faced with being out of pocket thousands of dollars and find themselves in debt if they cannot afford the up-front costs.

"Those who can't pay have to travel for public treatment.

"This can mean travelling up to four hours by car every day for several weeks throughout the course of the treatment or even worse still up to five hours using public transport.

"This is long and cruel for local residents to receive treatment."

Ms Smith said she would like to see the Federal Government follow through on its promise and would also like to be considered as a committee member for the planning and development of the proposed facility.

"I spoke to the Prime Minister when he made the announcement at Gosford Hospital recently and he was very encouraging and congratulated me on my dedication to the cause.

"He said it was up to people like me to make government representatives aware of community needs and concerns."

Ms Smith said that although it would be another three years until the facility was in full operation, it was well worth her three-year battle to see local cancer patients receive the treatment and facilities they deserved.

Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal said establishment of a regional cancer centre at Gosford Hospital was a great victory for the Central Coast community.

Ms Neal, who has also been a strong campaigner and supporter of the cause, said the proposed facility would provide the full spectrum of cancer services including prevention and screening, treatment, palliative and supportive care.

She said once the Central Coast Regional Cancer Centre was fully operational it was expected to provide treatment for an additional 828 radiotherapy patients per year and 2500 additional chemotherapy treatments per year.

Meanwhile, Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews said the NSW Government would maintain and operate the new facility.

"This is historic: This will be the first time that radiotherapy services at Gosford Hospital are provided within the public sector," Ms Andrews said.

"Local access to radiotherapy and enhanced chemotherapy services has been an ongoing issue for years.

"I am thrilled that the Rudd and Keneally Governments have come together to deliver for the Central Coast."

Clare Graham, 20 Apr 2010 Interviewee: Kathy Smith, Cancer Voices NSW Press release, 14 Apr 2010 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson Press release, 14 Apr 2010 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford