No. 33

additional $2.1 million for cancer services 

The 2007–08 ACT Budget provides an additional $2.1 million for the Capital Region Cancer Service over the next four years to improve access to services.

Minister for Health Katy Gallagher said the Capital Region Cancer Service includes radiation oncology, haematology and immunology and provides oncology clinics in the ACT and South Eastern NSW, including Young, Goulburn, Bega and Moruya.

“The funding announced today will provide the service with additional medical, nursing and health professional staff to help address the projected 6 per cent increase in demand for cancer services in 2006-07.

“The Capital Region Cancer Service provides an extensive and highly professional range of services and is an extremely important support to those dealing with cancer both in the ACT and our surrounding district.

“This funding will help the Capital Region Cancer Service keep pace with the increasing incidence of cancer, advancements in treatment and supportive care, and associated changes that contribute to the provision of more effective cancer care,” Ms Gallagher said.

“This funding builds on the $29.3 million investment we made in last year’s Budget to establish a third linear accelerator in 2008, and provide infrastructure to enable the capacity to increase to four machines by 2012,” Ms Gallagher said.