Concerns have been raised about the future viability of a new cancer treatment centre in regional New South Wales, months before it has started operating.
The federal government has provided $5 million for the Wagga Wagga-based Riverina Cancer Care Centre (RCCC) to build, equip and access Medicare rebates for the new radiation oncology service in the Riverina city of Griffith, 570 kilometres south-west of Sydney.
RCCC chief operating officer Damien Williams said Cancer Care Griffith, which is due to open in October, will remove the need for patients to travel hundreds of kilometres to other regional centres like Wagga, Albury or Orange for treatment.
However, he said how it would be funded long-term was uncertain.
RCCC, with the support of state Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP for Murray Helen Dalton, has applied to the NSW government for $650,000 per annum to enable the service to be bulk-billed.
Mr Williams said it made financial sense.
"We've estimated that somewhere between $800,000 and $1 million is spent on an annual basis supporting patients from Griffith and the surrounding area to travel to other areas for treatment," Mr Williams said.
"We think a portion of that funding should be allocated to Cancer Care Griffith so that every patient accessing the service can be bulk-billed or have free treatment."
Ms Dalton agrees.
"It is cost effective to have this treatment bulk-billed and free. These patients claim travel and accommodation if they go to places further afield, so it would negate that $650,000 per annum."
In a statement, NSW Health confirmed it had received a business plan to justify the request for funding and said it would now liaise with RCCC and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District over the proposal, providing a response in due course.
Fears vulnerable at risk without financial support
Griffith resident Grant Hearn is on the local Relay for Life committee, an annual fundraiser that raises awareness and supports those affected by cancer.
Both he and his wife have been affected by cancer and needed to travel for treatment.
"It is a strain on family, it is a strain on resources, it's a strain on emotions," he said.
Mr Hearn said the new treatment centre would make a huge difference in the lives of local people.
"Tyranny of distance, that's one hurdle out of the way. [But] we need everyone to be able to access radiotherapy free of charge, not having to pay and wait for the Medicare rebate," he said.
Mr Williams said he expected the NSW government to make a decision about the funding application by the end of the month.
