Released 09/09/2019
Joint media release: Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA and Zed Seselja, Senator for the Australian Capital Territory Assistant Minister for Finance, Charities and Electoral Matters
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith and Senator for the Australian Capital Territory the Hon Zed Seselja, today launched the first of two new linear accelerators (Linacs) at Canberra Hospital.
A Linac is used for radiation treatment for patients with cancer. Linacs provide a precise, technical treatment that involves highly skilled radiation oncologists, radiation therapists and medical physicists.
The replacement of two of the four linear accelerators at Canberra Hospital is funded by an $11 million investment from the ACT Government, and a $6 million contribution from the Commonwealth Government.
Minister Stephen-Smith said the new Linacs are one of many investments the ACT Government is making in cancer services and Canberra’s health system.
"The ACT Government is committed to providing Canberrans with the right health care when and where they need it. Canberra Health Services continues to focus on providing patients with access to the best possible technology and services for their radiotherapy treatments.
"The rollout of the Linac includes a new cloud hosted, fully integrated treatment and planning system, which is a world-first. This system will allow for a more seamless workflow and faster access to radiotherapy for patients," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Senator Seselja said the funding brings the Commonwealth Government's current investment in cancer services and treatment at Canberra Hospital to $13.5 million, ensuring radiotherapy patients have access to brachytherapy equipment, a CT simulator and a total of four Linac licenses.
"Through the Radiation Oncology Health Program Grants Scheme, the Commonwealth Government contributes to the capital costs of high value equipment, and aims to assist in improving health outcomes for cancer patients, increase access to radiation oncology services, improve equity of access for cancer patients and ensure the highest quality and safety of radiation oncology services."
"More than 1,600 people in the ACT were diagnosed with cancer in 2015. Treatment in many cases is expensive, putting significant financial pressures on patients and their families.
"Thanks to our strong economic management, the Commonwealth Government was able to invest $2.3 billion on cancer medicines in 2017-18 through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, easing patients’ financial burden and providing a range of subsidised medicines to those suffering from cancer."
"The Commonwealth Government prioritises the health of Canberrans, which is why we've doubled our hospital funding in the ACT since we came to Government in 2013, and committed $68 million for important health projects announced as part of the ACT Health Plan in this year's Budget."
In addition to the new machines, Canberra Health Services have made upgrades to the physical space to ensure the environment is calming and welcoming for consumers. The first of these new lead-lined "bunkers" is named after Walter Burley Griffin and includes themed ceiling art to make the consumer feel at ease and relaxed.
Replacement of the next Linac commences in October 2019.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases
Media Contacts
| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
Cassandra Choake (Seselja) |
0427 839 164 |
||
Caitlin Cook |
(02) 6207 8731 |
0434 702 827 |