Update: We have just received confirmation from the Local Health District that part of the funding includes a new CT scanner. A provision was made during the hospital build for a CT scanner to be installed should the money become available.
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Dr Danny Ryan who has been campaigning for this for the past couple of years has said that he's really happy with the decision.
"All the doctors and nurses at Macksville Hospital I've spoken to are thrilled and think its a great decision. The community will benefit greatly from this," he said.
"We're very appreciative of the Federal Government committing this money."
Mayor Rhonda Hoban said the Nambucca Valley Council had joined in the lobbying for the CT scanner because they could see reason in having one at the Macksville Hospital.
"It's wonderful news," she said.
"It's going to provide equity in access to health services for people of the Nambucca Valley.
"The reason we lobbied for it was that it would provide quick diagnosis, better information for triage, and faster and more accurate treatment.
"And it stops people taking up hospital beds unnecessarily while waiting to be transferred to Coffs Harbour for CT scans."
Previously: Cancer patients living in the Kempsey and Nambucca areas will be able to access radiation therapy services from 2023/24.
Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said the Federal Government is increasing access to radiation therapy services for thousands of cancer patients living in rural and regional areas.
He said the new services will improve health outcomes for residents in the electorate.
"About one-third of people with cancer in Australia live outside our major cities and having better access to treatment will save," he said.
"This new investment of up to $5 million means cancer patients in Cowper can access treatment close to home and without incurring out of pocket expenses.
"This Federal Government continues to invest in and build capacity in Australia's health system to deliver quality outcomes for all Australians no matter where they live."
Mr Conaghan said local cancer patients will be able to access all their cancer treatment services in one place.
"I congratulate the Mid North Coast Local Health District (LHD) on being the successful applicant to provide radiation treatment to the residents of the Mid-North Coast.
"The LHD is perfectly placed to provide integrated health services, including radiation services, in the Kempsey and Nambucca regions.
"A Radiation Treatment Centre covering the Macleay and Nambucca valleys improves regional patient access to radiation services currently available in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie."
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.
Mr Conaghan's office was not able to provide details about what the $5 million will be used for; whether a new hospital unit would be constructed, or whether a CT scanner would be installed after the Nambucca Valley's campaign. They said those details are to be decided upon by the Local Health District.
We put the question to them late this afternoon and will post the response when we receive it.
