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State government funds study into regions needs

REGION
By ALEX SINNOTT
SOUTH-WEST cancer centre
campaigners are overjoyed
by the state governments announcement last night it will
conduct a feasibility study
into radiotherapy services
for the region.
Health Minister Daniel
Andrews told The Standard
that Victorian Cancer Agency
chairman Professor Bob
Thomas will be commissioned to conduct a report
into the south-wests need for
expanded cancer services.
In an exclusive interview,
Mr Andrews said he would
call on expert advice to
look at the Peters Project
campaigns contention that
the south-west needs an integrated cancer care centre.
I have asked Victorian
chief
cancer
adviser,
Professor Bob Thomas, to
provide me with detailed expert advice on the feasibility
of providing expanded cancer
services in the south-west,
the Minister said.
I discussed this with the
board director of South West
Healthcare Sharon Muldoon
in a post-budget briefing
this week (Wednesday) and
I understand she supports
this approach.
The surprise move comes
after the federal government
rejected a $200,000 funding
bid for a feasibility study into
a south-west cancer centre
last month.
Warrnambools application was deemed noncompliant by the Federal
Health Department during a

100506AM03 Picture: ANGELA

The anguish
review for new or upgraded
oncology services in regional
Australia.
The application was made
by south-west community
group Peters Project which
is fighting for a centre for
Warrnambool, a campaign
that The Standard has
endorsed.

NEWS n SPORT

MILNE

The lack of cancer treatment in the region ripped the Anderson family apart at some of the
most crucial times of their lives. Meredith Anderson and her children (from left) Laura, 8,
Harris, 11, Leah, 6, lost their father and husband Mark Anderson to cancer . STORY PAGE 4

Peters Project founder

Vicki Jellie said she was over
the moon at the news that the
state government would look
into the south-wests case.
If this is correct, if theyre
really going to go ahead and
have a good look then thats
brilliant news, she said.
Well be pleased to speak

with Bob Thomas and put our

case forward. He has been
receptive to our views in the
past.
Hopefully the results
from this report shows that
there is clear evidence why
an integrated cancer care
centre is needed for southwest Victoria.

South West Coast MP Denis

Napthine last night welcomed
the move but said it was only
just the beginning of the push
for a Warrnambool-based
cancer centre.
I welcome that move, its
good news for south-west
Victoria, Dr Napthine
said.

However I am cynical
enough to feel that the report
may not lead to the result that
we want but lets not look a
gift horse in the mouth.
Its only baby steps at the
moment but theyre important steps nonetheless, Dr
Napthine said.
asinnott@standard.fairfax.net.au

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