[Greens-Media] Lismore Base Hospital Radiotherapy Unit

[Nic Clyde]

Media Release from Ian Cohen MLC
26 September 2007


Lismore Base Hospital Radiotherapy Unit

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



Nic Clyde
Adviser, Greens MLC Ian Cohen
Macquarie Street, Sydney, 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3305, Fax: +61-2-9230 2267
Mobile: 0417 742 754
Web: www.iancohen.org.au