The Morrison Government is boosting investment to Riverina Cancer Care so local cancer patients living in the mid-west of NSW can better access radiation therapy services.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Government is increasing access to radiation therapy services for thousands of cancer patients living in rural and regional areas.
“About one-third of people with cancer in Australia live outside our major cities – having better access to treatment will save lives and improve health outcomes for Australians living in regional areas,” Minister Hunt said.
“This new investment of up to $5 million means cancer patients in the wider Griffith region can access treatment close to home and without incurring out of pocket expenses.
“Our Government continues to invest and build capacity in Australia’s health system to deliver quality outcomes for all Australians no matter where they live.”
Minister for the Environment and Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley welcomed Minister Hunt’s announcement and said local cancer patients will be able to access all their cancer treatment services in one place.
Speaking alongside local cancer support volunteers Ms Ley said “delivering this new facility for Griffith and the M.I.A. was one of my major commitments before the last election and arguably the most important.”
“Providing a high quality service like this into rural NSW means hundreds of local patients and families will no longer have to travel that extra distance just to receive the treatment they need.”
The Morrison Government has provided $45.5 million over five years to invest in the expansion of cancer treatment capacity throughout regional Australia by enhancing existing and building new health infrastructure.
Funding for this initiative comes from the Government’s Health Infrastructure Program, which is building, upgrading and expanding vital health infrastructure to ensure Australia’s health system is equipped to meet current and future health needs.