ROBERTSON WELCOMES CANCER TREATMENT BOOST FOR CAIRNS

Health Minister Stephen Robertson has welcomed today’s Federal Government announcement that it will provide $500,000 to purchase five new chemotherapy chairs at Cairns Base Hospital.

“The five new chemotherapy chairs will be a welcome boost to cancer services in Cairns,” Mr Robertson said.

“Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s announcement today reiterates that cancer services in North Queensland are a core health priority for both the State and Federal Governments.”

A new integrated cancer care centre has been fast-tracked by the Bligh Government after consultation with the Committee for an Oncology Unit at Cairns Hospital (COUCH) and completion of the Cairns Base Hospital Services Plan.

Mr Robertson said the Bligh Government was investing $463.7 million over five years through the Health Action Plan to expand and improve cancer services in Queensland hospitals.

The redevelopment of the Cairns Base Hospital, currently estimated at around $450 million, will expand health services to meet the needs of the region's growing population.