Page 2472 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 14 November 1989
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petition to be accommodated, notwithstanding the fact that it was outside standing orders.
It is, as I have said, supported by nearly four and a half thousand residents of Canberra and surrounding districts. It calls for the purchase of a new radiotherapy machine for the treatment of cancer patients at Woden Valley Hospital. The petition was the idea of a Queanbeyan resident, a Mrs Joan Storey, whose brother contracted cancer some time ago. Mrs Storey had been taking her brother to Woden Valley Hospital for treatment involving the radiotherapy machine located at the hospital.
It is, as members will be aware, the only machine of its type in the district and is used to treat patients from many parts of south-eastern New South Wales as well as Canberra and Queanbeyan. On several occasions Mrs Storey and her brother arrived at Woden Valley Hospital, only to be told that the machine had broken down and that treatment would be delayed. I learnt about two weeks ago that Mrs Storey's brother has, since that time, died.
It is matter of concern to me, Mr Speaker, that we have such a dependence on a single machine and, further, that such a machine, because of the extremely heavy use it receives, is prone to breakdown. To many cancer patients this machine offers them the only hope of survival. It is tragic that these people are forced to suffer delays and interruptions to their treatment, especially when they know that this treatment represents their only chance of survival.
Many patients travel a long way to receive treatment, and it is appalling to know that some sufferers have to return home without treatment. I understand from the Minister, because of a letter he sent me, that his department is seeking to purchase a new machine but that this is unlikely to occur before 1992-93. I hope the Minister will take note of this petition and will take steps to minimise breakdowns in the present equipment and reduce, in that fashion, the trauma which is caused often to cancer patients, particularly those who travel long distances to take advantage of the equipment.
CONSERVATION, HERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENT - STANDING COMMITTEE
Membership
MR JENSEN, by leave: I move:
That paragraph (2) of the resolution of appointment of the Standing Committee on Conservation, Heritage and Environment be amended by omitting "4" and substituting "5".
MR SPEAKER: Have copies been circulated, Mr Jensen?
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