The two-year battle to secure a PET scanner for Wollongong Hospital is at an end, with the scanner arriving at the hospital early yesterday.
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While it is in the process of being installed, Illawarra Cancer Carers chairman Keith Wilson said it was "just great" the scanner was finally here.
"It will be a great boon for our cancer patients and it will bring Wollongong into line with the best that's available in the country and will mean that our cancer patients won't have to suffer the long and arduous trip to Sydney," he said.
The new Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner, which detects cancers and other life-threatening diseases faster and more accurately than traditional imaging, is the result of an effort from the community and Illawarra politicians.
In October 2012 a petition signed by 30,000 Illawarra residents was presented to NSW Parliament and Kiama MP Gareth Ward announced the hospital would get the scanner.
Fay Campbell, chairwoman of the Illawarra PET committee, said she was thrilled to reach the final point of the campaign. "It's going to make lives so much easier for so many cancer patients."
The Illawarra Cancer Carers will hold a celebration to thank some of the 30,000 people who signed the petition at City Beach Function Centre on January 31. Tickets are $75 a person and include a three-course meal, live entertainment and a beverage package. For more information and to book phone 4228 3188.
