PHOTO: The external view of the new Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo that will increase capacity and services for cancer patients in the regions. Image supplied by NSW and Federal Government.
By OLIVER BROWN
CANCER PATIENTS from remote communities across central west NSW now have a treatment facility much closer to home, following the recent opening of the Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo.
The $35 million facility – which vastly increases pre-existing c h e m o t h e r a p y treatment options in the area – was opened to patients last month beginning with the clinic rooms and reception,
due to be followed by new chemotherapy treatment spaces and a communal wellness space this month.
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton called it “one of the proudest days” for him as the local member.
“This facility will allow cancer patients to stay closer to their loved ones during treatment, providing the quality care and support that regional people need and deserve,” Mr Coulton said.
“It will not only benefit families throughout the western region but will be utilised by people right across regional NSW who will no longer have to travel to the city to access life-saving cancer treatment.
Community push
“The support for this centre from right across Western NSW has been overwhelming – this is evident from the 45,961 signatures that I delivered to the Australian Parliament in November 2016, calling for this facility,” he said.
Medical oncologist Dr Florien Honeyball said it was the community drive to have the facility that really got it off the ground in the first place.
“People in this community have been pushing for a cancer centre for the last 20 years,” he said.
“Because of their ongoing efforts, the community can now reap the rewards.”
Critical choice
Dr Honeyball said a big driver for him to get a purpose-built cancer facility in Dubbo was because of the high Radiotherapy Utilisation Rate – in layman’s terms, the number of people diagnosed with cancer you would expect would need to be treated with radiation – for the area.
“At the best practice in the world, it’s about 48 per cent while in Dubbo it’s 27 per cent – that’s one in seven people choosing not to get cancer treatments because of their geography,” he said.
Double the chairs
According to Dr Honeyball, back in 2016 there were only a total of 12 chemotherapy chairs across western NSW.
“Since the push for the new cancer centre, we have also looked at programs like remote video assisted chemotherapy – we’ve been able to open two units in Cobar and Coonabarabran, with a view to open one in Walgett next year and further afield,” he said.
“Our new centre in Dubbo has 16 chairs – effectively doubling what there was there before.
First radiation facilities
“Also, for the first time, Dubbo will have radiation facilities, including a linear accelarator and an orthovoltage machine which is useful for treating localised skin cancers in sensitive regions.”
Another first for the region is a PET scanner, which is used for detecting and diagnosing cancers, that was only available in Sydney or Newcastle up until now.
Dr Honeyball said even patients who lived a reasonable distance from Dubbo – such as the 330 kilometre round trip from Coonamble – would be be able to travel there in a day, allowing patients to remain at home if they choose.
The proximity benefit has also been welcomed by President of the Coonamble Cancer Survival Fund Janis Nicol.
“I had heard about this new facility – I would think we would have signed that petition years ago – and think it’ll be a lovely building,” Mrs Nicol said.
“Years ago, it was Sydney only for chemo or radiation.
“People out here have to go so far so it’s great to think there are places closer that are now available,” she said.
“Piece of mind is a big thing and I know by talking to cancer patients it’s a big expense and therefore I think this would make a big difference to a lot of families.”