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Anna Thistle, MHA for the District of Grand Falls-Buchans, says the deferred
cancer clinic for Grand Falls-Windsor should be a priority for the Williams’
government in the upcoming budget if they have any compassion for the
privacy and dignity of persons undergoing cancer treatment in the central
region. "I have had many conversations and received dozens of letters over
the past 12 months from concerned citizens in central Newfoundland who say
the new cancer clinic for Grand Falls-Windsor is a necessity," said Ms.
Thistle. "In a recent letter from the Canadian Cancer Society, they are
expressing their concern that there is a growing urgency for this facility.
"Since last year’s budget, government has received new federal money for
health care, increased funding from the equalization program and $2 billion
from the new offshore revenue sharing agreement. It is now time that some of
this additional money is invested back into the social needs of
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
"The need for these cancer services in Grand Falls-Windsor is growing
everyday. Cancer patients in the central region need this vital clinic to
ensure that they receive the same treatment and service as those in other
parts of the province. The current facility is not acceptable and must be
upgraded.
"The need for the cancer clinic has already been demonstrated through
detailed studies commissioned over the past couple of years. I believe
cancer patients in central Newfoundland should be made a priority and
receive this much needed investment. I am hopeful that the Minister of
Health and Community Services will finally hear the voices of these cancer
patients and their families and make the right decision to provide funding
for this facility in the upcoming budget."
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