Page 266 - Week 01 - Thursday, 13 February 2020
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as the treatment machine rotates. What that means for patients is faster treatments for each patient and more patients being able to be seen in the same amount of time per day.
What is less tangible but is incredibly important is the impact of many volunteers and community groups who work alongside Canberra Health Services, offering advice, comfort and support to people facing cancer, and their families, friends and carers. I had the opportunity to meet a number of these groups on World Cancer Day last week, and I thank them for their work. By sharing their experiences, committing their time and providing invaluable advice, they make a real different to the lives of many people in our community facing what is an incredibly difficult experience.
MS CODY: Minister, what other work is going on to support cancer patients in Canberra Health Services?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Ms Cody for her question and her interest in support for cancer patients in the ACT and the surrounding region. One of the key commitments by the ACT government in supporting cancer patients is our investment of $21 million in the inpatient wards for cancer services, which are located in the southern end of building 3 at Canberra Hospital campus. Those paying attention would be aware that this is the building the Canberra Liberals would prefer to demolish, creating significant disruption for the Canberra Hospital.
These works include a new internal fit-out to wards 14A and 14B. I look forward to opening the refurbished ward 14A next week. The new wards will include more single rooms with daybeds for the comfort of family and visitors, and dining and lounge facilities in recognition of the long lengths of stay for some cancer patients and the importance of supporting carers encouraging patients to eat. The wards will also be entirely positively pressured, improving safety and the ability for patients with low immune systems to move around the ward.
In addition, Canberra Health Services is developing a cancer consumer reference group to increase consumer, carer and community participation in the planning and delivery of cancer services. Expressions of interest for membership close on 15 February 2020 and I encourage those who might know people who would be interested in putting in an expression of interest to let them know about it.
The Canberra Region Cancer Centre is also working on developing a cancer wellbeing centre and an enhanced research presence. The addition of these two elements will allow the Canberra Region Cancer Centre to be considered to be a comprehensive cancer centre. The cancer wellbeing centre will provide a comprehensive range of programs to support patients, their families and carers during their treatment at Canberra Region Cancer Centre, programs such as exercise and mobility classes, support group meetings, delta therapy dogs and music therapy as well as the provision of legal and financial information. I look forward to providing the Assembly with further updates on these exciting projects.
Mr Barr: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
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