| Thursday, March 9, 2000.
THE WAY IS CLEARED FOR RURAL RADIOTHERAPY SERVICES - THWAITES
The Victorian Government and the Commonwealth have finalised an agreement on installation of radiotherapy equipment in three regional hospitals to treat cancer patients in country Victoria, the Health Minister, John Thwaites announced today.
Mr Thwaites said the Bracks Labor Government signed off on the agreement last November, and it was ratified by Canberra earlier today.
The agreement covers the funding of the equipment and running costs for the three radiotherapy services, which will be located at Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley.
“It is of great importance to the people of rural Victoria to have access to radiotherapy cancer treatment without having to travel to the metropolitan areas,” Mr Thwaites said.
“This project has been in the pipeline for more than two years, and this Government was determined to bring it to a conclusion.
“This will allow us to move now and have this equipment up and running and treating people from our rural communities.”
Funding towards the operation of the radiotherapy services, to treat both public and private patients, will be provided through normal Medicare payment arrangements.
Construction and commissioning time takes at least 12 months. The three facilities will be located at the St John of God Hospital in Ballarat, the Bendigo Hospital and the Latrobe Valley.
Media inquiries:
Premier’s Press Office 9651 5799.
Internet: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/hs.html (F:press2000/ Radiotherapy /gw/9.3.00)
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