ON their own, TransCare and Cancer Council NSW do a lot to help the community.
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But, together, they can build a larger vital service, aided by partnerships within the Upper Hunter.
On Tuesday, the organisations were joined by Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen, Muswellbrook Shire mayor Martin Rush, and Upper Hunter mayor Wayne Bedggood to officially launch a new service.
The TransCare/Cancer Council NSW transport to treatment partnership is the third, and final, stage of supplying the free service to cancer patients in the Upper Hunter.
The organisations praised collaborations which made the service possible.
Each partner has committed to contribute $2000 annually for the next three years.
Patients from Singleton, to Murrurundi, to Merriwa, and everywhere in between, who need chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or serious cancer surgeries will be included in the care.
Cancer Council NSW community programs coordinator Glen Parsons said they knew some pensioners in rural areas were sometimes forced to decide between buying food one week, and paying for treatment services.
He said enough was enough, and it was ridiculous some people were in this situation.
“This partnership has been made possible through funding from Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter councils, Muswellbrook Relay for Life, Bengalla Mine, along with both Muswellbrook and Scone race clubs,” Cancer Council NSW community programs coordinator Glen Parsons said.
TransCare CEO Alan Gordon said people had already begun to use the service.
“There are a lot of cancer sufferers in the Hunter region [and] we provide transport for free for people attending treatment,” he said.
Muswellbrook mayor Martin Rush said council was delighted to be a supporter.
“It is critical that services like this meet the need of transporting our rural community for medical care,” he said.
Upper Hunter mayor Wayne Bedggood said he thought anything that reduced suffering for for patients should be supported.
Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen congratulated the partners, as well as the volunteers, who made the care possible.
It is hoped the program will continue passed its current three-year commitment.