Not one mammogram machine between our two biggest hospitals

The two biggest hospitals in South West Sydney do not have a basic cancer diagnostic equipment to serve a massively growing population.

NSW Labor health spokesman Ryan Park says both Campbelltown Hospital and Liverpool Hospital did not have access to a mammogram machine, which was a serious cause for concern.

He was backed by Campbelltown MP Greg Warren, who said it was mind boggling that the two major hospitals in such a fast growing region did not have such vital equipment.

The issue came to a head after Mr Park revealed last weekend that The Breast Centre at the Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick had to borrow a machine from BreastScreen NSW and could only use it three days a week.

“We know that early detection and early treatment save lives. It is unacceptable both Campbelltown and Liverpool hospitals do not have this basic cancer diagnostic equipment,” Mr Park said.

“For many individuals the option of mammogram screening at a private clinic is out of reach.

“This is a Liberal Government that has the wrong priorities. When you consider the statistics, one in eight women in NSW will develop breast cancer.

“It is just mind boggling that our major South West Sydney hospitals do not have the basic diagnostic equipment available.”

According to Mr Warren the serious lack of resources at Campbelltown Hospital has been a long standing issue that this government has had eight and a half years to sort out.

“Emergency department waiting times at Campbelltown Hospital continue to blow out while mental health services are grossly inadequate,’’ he said.

“The staff do an admirable job with what little they have but they need more support and resources.

“It beggars belief that there is no mammogram machine at Campbelltown or Liverpool hospitals.”