PET scanner debated in Parliament 

Labor and Liberal MPs have thrown their support behind the petition calling on the Government to invest in a scanner so professionals can better plan for the cancer treatment that the region needs.

Illawarra Cancer Carers spokesman Keith Wilson said the 20 representatives travelling to Sydney for this afternoon’s debate were worried the Government would opt for a ‘‘public and private partnership approach’’ to funding.

BREAKING: Wollongong to get PET scanner

‘‘We don’t want to be sitting here in three or four or five years’ time still hearing about this great partnership but not having a machine,’’ Mr Wilson said.

‘‘We are hoping the government will buy the machine. It will cost $3 million which is not a lot in the scheme of things, and the people of the Illawarra certainly deserve that.’’

Minister for Health Jillian Skinner has said she is working with the local health district to ‘‘explore the viability of a public/private sector solution’’.

‘‘I support the district’s efforts in this regard and the [Health] ministry will continue to assist the district in pursuing options to enable residents of the Illawarra and South Coast to access this potentially life-saving equipment closer to home,’’ she said.

Shellharbour MP Anna Watson will pay tribute in Parliament today to the Illawarra Cancer Carers and Illawarra oncologist Dr Phil Clingan ‘‘for the work they have done in gathering the petition signatures’’.

‘‘We need people with cancer to deal with fighting this illness as a priority not worrying about how to get to the vital equipment that can save their lives,’’ Ms Watson said.

‘‘I am delighted that through this petition, with bipartisan political support in this house, we are working together as a community to ensure that a PET scan machine is installed at Wollongong Hospital as a matter of urgency.’’