Community fundraising efforts to upgrade and expand facilities for patients undergoing chemotherapy at St George Cancer Care Centre have received a huge boost.
Health Minister Jillian Skinner promised that a re-elected Coalition government would provide $1.5 million towards the proposed $3 million project.
The announcement came just weeks after medical staff and community supporters marked the 21st anniversary of the centre, which is part of St George Hospital.
Present chemotherapy facilities include nine chairs and three beds in an area that is cramped, and gives patients little privacy.
Under rebuilding plans, the unit will have 20 chemotherapy chairs and four beds, treatment will be less obtrusive and the surrounds will be more pleasant and soothing.
Community fundraising committee public officer Phill Bates said that the $1.5 million pledge would be "a big springboard" in completing the project.
He said it was the final stage of what the committee had hoped to achieve when it was established in 1995 to improve cancer care services at the hospital.
"Out of $7.9 million we have raised since then, the most we have received from government previously was $200,000 when Bob Carr was premier," he said.
Mr Bates said the latest promise confirmed Mrs Skinner's assurance to the committee in August 2011 she would "go dollar-for-dollar" on what it raised.
Mr Bates praised the efforts of Oatley MP Mark Coure, who had lobbied hard for the funding.
"I didn't think he would get it, but he kept on pushing," Mr Bates said.
Mrs Skinner said at present the centre administered chemotherapy to an average of 25 patients a day.
"This funding will see the centre boost its capacity by 20 per cent," she said.
"The dedicated staff provides specialised clinical care and great comfort to people at a most difficult time in their lives.
"Community fundraising is at the core of this centre, and the Baird Government will support this effort."
TIMELINE
1994: St George Cancer Care Centre established, meaning patients would no longer need to travel outside the region to access the full spectrum of specialised services.
1995: Community committee started fundraising to build a lodge where family members could stay while patients from country areas and interstate received treatment.
1998: Bezzina House, with 15 units, opened and, since then, has provided more that 60,000 room nights.
2007-11: Further fundraising leads to creation of the Prostate Cancer Institute, with the most comprehensive facilities under one roof in the country.
2016: New chemotherapy facilities anticipated for construction.
