The redevelopment of Orange Base Hospital is anticipated to enable it to deliver radiotherapy services by 2011 and the Government says that is enough for Dubbo residents.

Last week influential group Cancer Council NSW called on the Government to address the “completely unacceptable” situation for cancer sufferers by immediately completing the Orange facility.

In the long-term it wants the Government to consider radiotherapy machines for Dubbo, along with Concord, Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Nepean, Westmead and Tamworth.

When contacted by the Daily Liberal, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) Jodi McKay gave no indication the Government would cede to the Cancer Council’s wishes.

Her statement suggests any decisions by the Government will be delayed until after a pending review.

“The NSW Government is eagerly anticipating the Auditor-General’s review of radiotherapy services in NSW,” she said.

“It will provide the clearest indication of the current state of our radiotherapy services.”

She maintained that “NSW has one of the best cancer treatment systems in the world”.

This is despite Cancer Council chief executive Andrew Penman’s severe message last week that cancer patients’ lives should not be risked simply because of “lack of planning, management and investment into radiotherapy” by the State Government.

Ms McKay pointed out that “NSW has more radiotherapy machines per head than Queensland, the United Kingdom and much of Europe”.

“The Government recognises the need for radiotherapy services as one method of treating cancer,” she said.

“We remain committed to responding to that need as part of a Statewide approach to improving patient care.

The radiotherapy service in Orange will “provide access closer to home for the residents of the central west, whether they are in Orange, Dubbo, Parkes, Forbes or Mudgee”.

faye.wheeler@ruralpres s.com