| ROCKY CANCER CENTRE 1ST TO BENEFIT FROM NEW PACKAGE: BLIGH |
Rockhampton: A Rockhampton cancer support service will be the first organisation to benefit from a re-elected Bligh Government’s new patient accommodation support package, the Premier confirmed today.
The confirmation follows Premier Anna Bligh’s pledge on the weekend to provide $15 million in grants over three years for non-government organisations to build or enhance accommodation for patients travelling to receive treatment for cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.
“I am pleased to announce that that a re-elected Bligh Government will provide $1 million toward the total $2 million cost of a new Rockhampton Cancer Education Support and Accommodation Centre from the first round of this grants process,” Ms Bligh said after just landing in Rockhampton on her 30 SEATS IN 3 DAYS tour.
“The new centre will provide accommodation for rural and regional Queenslanders traveling to Rockhampton for Cancer treatment and diagnosis.
“It will be the only short-term accommodation facility of this type in the regional health service area, and it will increase the use of cancer screening and detection services by Central Queenslanders.
“This is exactly the type of project we want to support through our new $15 million investment.
“These grants mean organisations like the Cancer Council can get on with the job of providing support for Queenslanders receiving treatment away from home.
“They will also create jobs in regional Queensland at a time when we need them most.”
Ms Bligh said the new $2M centre, located next to the Cancer Council’s existing accommodation facility would include:
• A support centre for cancer patients and their families;
• A health education facility for the regional community;
• A venue for health professional training and development; and
• A point of contact for cancer-related information and affiliated support services.
Premier Bligh said the State Government also committed to establishing a new $6.5 million oncology centre in Rockhampton.
“This investment is a sign of our commitment to enhancing cancer services in Central Queensland,” Ms Bligh said.
“This new centre will mean more Central Queensland patients can be treated closer to home.
“We’ll deliver this new state of the art facility by completely refurbishing the sixth floor of Rockhampton Hospital.
“The new centre will provide three additional chemotherapy chairs and one cancer bed on top of existing services.
“It will also deliver enhanced medical specialist, nursing and allied health services for cancer patients.
“This is in addition to Rockhampton Hospital’s $74 million redevelopment, which will put us on track to meeting the growing health care needs of Central Queensland residents well into the future.”
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
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