The claim comes following a western NSW health forum held in Dubbo on Thursday which heard getting a second machine in Orange is more “achievable” that Dubbo getting its first machine.

Dubbo Plains Division of General Practice chair and Western NSW Local Health District board chair Dr Robin Williams said there is a great need for Orange to receive a second machine soon.

“To have a really efficient service you really need to have two machines in the same place,” he said.

“It’s a more efficient use of resources and you’ve already got the specialists there.”

Dr Williams said while there is also a need in Dubbo for radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients, the hospital would need to undergo redevelopment before any linear accelerator machine could be installed.

“In the short term it’s more achievable to get one in Orange,” he said.

Cancer Care Western NSW vice chairman Dr Stuart Porges said he was pleased there were no “vocal objections” to Orange obtaining a second linear accelerator.

Dr Porges said there is currently a six to seven week wait for new radiotherapy patients with people now being referred to other locations.

“The installation of a second machine is the most important thing ... we’re hopeful there will be an announcement soon,” he said.

Member for Orange Andrew Gee was at Thursday’s forum and said there was positive discussion surrounding the need for increased services.

“There was a recognition that everyone needs to cooperate and you can’t let inter city rivalry impinge on the need for a second linear accelerator,” he said.

NSW Health is still assessing the business plan for a second linear accelerator for Orange according to Mr Gee with no timeline currently available for the approval process.

nadine.morton@ruralpre ss.com