COFFS Harbour patients with suspected prostate cancer will now have access to advanced diagnostic care closer to home after a community fundraising effort delivered more than $180,000 worth of specialised equipment to Coffs Harbour Health Campus.
The donation, funded by the Coffs Harbour Pink Ladies, Male Bag Foundation, Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour and the Greenhouse Tavern, purchased specialised transperineal prostate biopsy equipment that will significantly improve the hospital’s capacity to diagnose prostate cancer.
Mid North Coast Local Health District Visiting Medical Officer Urologist Dr Hedley Roth said the new technology represented the gold standard in prostate biopsy procedures.
“By providing this service here in Coffs Harbour, we can help reduce the need for patients to travel, begin treatment sooner and ultimately achieve better health outcomes,” Dr Roth said.
Mid North Coast Local Health District Coffs Clinical Network Director of Medical Services Dr David Cooper said the equipment marked an important milestone for local cancer services.
“Thanks to the support of our donors we are now able to offer this advanced procedure locally, which is a huge benefit for our community,” Dr Cooper said.
“The new capability means patients will no longer need to travel long distances for specialist care, easing both the physical and emotional burden on individuals and their families.
“We are grateful for the generosity of these organisations in helping make this advanced technology available to the local community.”
Coffs Harbour Pink Ladies Treasurer Linda Friend said the partnership demonstrated the community’s commitment to improving local cancer care.
“Knowing our fundraising is helping local people access the latest technology and receive the best possible care is very rewarding,” Ms Friend said.
Male Bag Foundation Director Tony Clayton said the donation continued the foundation’s work to improve access to advanced prostate cancer diagnosis in regional Australia.
“We’ve helped bring this technology to many rural communities across Australia,” Mr Clayton said.
“Each month, more than 400 men receive transperineal prostate biopsies using machines we have helped provide.”
Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour Joint President Trisha Herraman and Greenhouse Tavern General Manager Anthony Chadd said they were proud to support technology that would improve specialist care and deliver better health outcomes for patients across the Coffs Coast.
By Sis HIGGINS
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