IT was an election promise no government would ever dare break.
So it was no surprise when Health Minister Jillian Skinner returned to the St George Cancer Care Centre this month to make good on a pledge to provide $1.5 million towards its expansion.
Since the funding was promised three weeks before this year's state election, Club Central has donated a further $1 million, ensuring the $3 million cost of the project is fully covered.
Mrs Skinner, accompanied by Oatley MP Mark Coure, met staff and patients at the centre, which has provided more than 850,000 individual patient services since it was established 21 years ago.
She said the centre's capacity would be increased by 20 per cent, including the addition of more chemotherapy chairs.
"Work is under way to build administrative offices adjacent to the Cancer Care Centre so a wing of the centre can be redeveloped for patient care," she said.
"It is expected these office functions will be moved by year's end so work to almost double the space available for patient care can begin next year."
WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES
The centre, which is part of St George Hospital and on its main campus, brings medical oncology, haematology, radiation oncology and support services, as well as research, together under one roof.
Staff administer chemotherapy to an average of 25 patients a day, and provide services and support for people with a variety of non-cancer conditions, such as non-malignant blood conditions and benign tumours.
The Prostate Cancer Institute is housed within the centre and offers the nation’s most comprehensive range of treatment options for men for the management of prostate cancer.