CANCER patients in rural NSW have better access to treatment than ever before, says Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner.
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"We have done a lot in terms of hospital infrastructure (in rural NSW), particularly for cancer treatment," Mr Stoner said.
"It's important as many as possible can get treatment without having to go to Sydney."
Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said in 2014, 95 per cent of the NSW population has access to a cancer centre within 100 kilometres of their home.
"This investment is reducing the need for rural and regional patients and carers to travel to metropolitan areas for care," Ms Skinner said.
"In 2002, there was one cancer centre in regional NSW... in 2014, there are six."
Ms Skinner said these include two recently completed cancer centres in Tamworth and Shoalhaven.
The North West Regional Cancer Centre in Tamworth was a $42 million project, which included $32m from the Commonwealth government.
The Shoalhaven Regional Cancer Centre in Nowra was a $35m project, with $23m of that coming from the Commonwealth government.
Stroke patients have more access to treatment in regional NSW with acute stroke services established in Armidale, Orange, Bathurst, Tweed, Wagga Wagga, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Shoalhaven.
Roderick Makim
Senior journalist for The Land.
Senior journalist for The Land.
