CANCER SERVICES AT CAIRNS BASE HOSPITAL

The State Government is yet to receive any application to fund chemotherapy drug mixing equipment for Cairns Base Hospital’s Oncology Unit, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

“My comments to The Cairns Post yesterday related specifically to this particular piece of equipment, not the broader issue of whether the State Government would match community fund-raising efforts.

“Both the Member for Cairns, Desley Boyle, and I have indicated our general ‘in principle’ agreement that if the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation or COUCH raise money for oncology initiatives, Queensland Health will give consideration to providing matching funding.

“If a funding proposal for chemotherapy drug mixing equipment is received by Queensland Health, it will be given due consideration.

“To qualify for matching funding, however, any proposed initiative would have to meet the clinical needs of the hospital and be consistent with the Statewide Plan for Oncology Services.

“Queensland Health will continue to work closely with COUCH and the Foundation to address future oncology services, including access to radiation oncology services for Cairns patients.

“Current service levels and future oncology service requirements are also being reviewed as part of the Cairns and Hinterland Health Service District’s service and master planning process currently underway.”

Mr Robertson said Cairns Base Hospital already has an established Oncology Unit.

“It provides a wide range of services including: Medical Oncology, Haematology Oncology, a 7 chair day chemotherapy unit, 1 day treatment bed, 4 inpatient beds and a 12 bed inpatient Palliative Care service at Gordonvale Hospital.”

Mr Robertson said he is advised initiatives to expand oncology services at the Cairns Base Hospital have already begun including:

Plans are in place to relocate the Oncology Unit to a larger area within the hospital and expand services with extra day treatment areas, clinic and consulting rooms.

Recruitment of a second full-time staff oncologist for Cairns Base Hospital is nearing completion. The interview process has been completed and a final decision on the successful applicant should be made shortly.

A Project Officer is being recruited to facilitate Cancer Service Planning in the Cairns District for a coordinated approach towards provision of quality and safe cancer services.

The Project Officer also will liaise with the service and master planning team for new and/or redeveloped facilities to identify the requirement for cancer services across the District.

Mr Robertson said the State Government is investing an additional $463.7 million over five years, including an extra $93 million in 2007-08, through the Health Action Plan to expand and improve cancer services in Queensland hospitals.

MEDIA: PAUL LYNCH 3234 1190