HOPES were dashed this week following months of campaigning to bring a second linear accelerator to Orange, after no funding was announced for the unit in Tuesday’s budget.
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The current linear accelerator at Orange reached capacity within a few months of its installation in May 2011, and has about a six-week waiting list for treatment.
There were expectations the Gillard government would announce $3-$3.5 million in funding for the machine.
Last week, the Western NSW Local Health District (LHD) said work was being finalised on the bunker for a second linear accelerator at Orange Hospital, despite the funds not having been approved.
A statement released by Western NSW LHD chief executive Ron Dunham yesterday made no comment on the lack of federal funding for a second linear accelerator.
“Financial and contractual arrangements are not yet finalised,” the statement said.
Member for Orange Andrew Gee was unavailable for comment due to commitments with the NSW Parliament sitting yesterday.
nadine.morton@ruralpress.com
