Representatives of the Country Women’s Association Wollondilly Group has publicly called for support for the funding of a Cancer Treatment Centre at Bowral Hospital.
President Jennifer Woodwell said “CWA advocates for public cancer patients in the Southern Highlands to receive treatment in Bowral.”
“The population across the Southern Highlands has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, and this growth is set to accelerate. Simultaneously, the dramatic expansion in South West Sydney particularly in Menangle Park, Wilton, and the Western Sydney Airport corridor means our residents will be competing for oncology services at already stretched hospitals in Campbelltown and Liverpool.”
“Despite increasing demand, Southern Highlands cancer patients are currently served by a small public/private partnership clinic operating from a private hospital, supported only part-time by generalist oncologists from Campbelltown. Many are still travelling long distances for diagnosis and treatment, some over 90 minutes each way, placing immense physical, emotional, and financial strain on patients and their families.”
Welcoming the request, Judy Hannan MP said “I thank the Country Women’s Association for adding their voice to our call for a Cancer Treatment Centre at Bowral Hospital. I won’t rest until the centre is delivered so that we get the services to match the growth that we have received.”
“The numbers we have don’t even count patients that are privately referred outside of the region. As an independent I get to lobby for what is needed, not what is politically easy and I look forward to working with the Government to get this vital service for Wollondilly and the Southern Highlands.”
