North Coast Area Health District Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick congratulated all staff on their hard work and commitment to patient care since the North Coast Cancer Institute opened its doors five years ago, at a special function recently.
“We have a dedicated team of around 50 staff in Port Macquarie who provide this valuable service to cancer patients and their families.
“Importantly, the establishment of this unit has enabled patients to be cared for locally, where previously they would be forced to leave the area for radiotherapy treatment,” Mr Dowrick said.
Mr Dowrick also reflected on the significant local support that led to the establishment of the NCCI.
“This five-year anniversary also reflects a 10-year journey, as it was in 2002 when the first consideration was given by the Board of the then Mid-North Coast Area Health Service, with considerable support from our community, clinical and non-clinical stakeholders, to pursue an integrated cancer service.
“The establishment of this service is something we all should be very proud of,” Mr Dowrick said.
Staff attended a special morning tea celebration on the morning of August 21, 2012, at which long-serving administrative officer Liz Davis cut a giant cake to mark the first five years of the NCCI at Port Macquarie.
