Hawkesbury's politicians and candidates for the next election were invited to the Hawkesbury Forum on Cancer Action at Richmond last month to take on board the issues facing Hawkesbury cancer sufferers.
Organised on behalf of the Cancer Council NSW and held at St Andrew’s Uniting Church on November 14, the forum featured Londonderry MP Bart Bassett, as well as Liberal candidate Dominic Perrottet, Labor candidate Barry Calvert and Independent candidate Kate Mackaness.
Forum member Ellen Hegarty said the politicians were challenged by community health advocates and representatives of various service clubs to bring the pressing issues to their party rooms and policy discussions.
‘‘The challenge to elected representatives in attendance as well as those wishing to become elected was loud and clear — that cancer treatment in the Hawkesbury must be brought up as an issue in their party rooms, including the long-delayed infusion centre and transport problems,’’ Ms Hegarty told the Courier.
Co-co-ordinator of the Hawkesbury Forum Brenda Harrold assured those present that the Hawkesbury Forum on Cancer Action would follow up the commitments of political representatives.
Keynote speakers at the forum were retired palliative care specialist Dr Yvonne McMaster, OAM, palliative care specialist Dr Michael Noel OAM, RN Louise Maher and Jenny Gilder CHIM.
Dr McMaster is a long time campaigner for increased funding for palliative care services for NSW.
‘‘In her address at the forum, Dr McMaster cited the compounding effect of insufficient funding for palliative care to the lives of critically ill patients and their carers,’’ Ms Hegarty said.
‘‘Drs McMaster and Noel agreed that the NSW government needs to fully fund palliative care research, education and innovation in care services, including training for health professionals.
‘‘The high turnover of palliative care nurses must also be addressed.’’
Nursing Unit Manager at Nepean Cancer Care Clinic, Louise Maher RN, spoke on the ways of providing co-ordinated cancer care to ensure that cancer patients and their carers at their most vulnerable stage are provided with good supportive care.
