Welcome
Welcome to C.O.U.C.H.
COUCH is an Action Group that was formed by Charles and Pip Woodward at a public meeting they organised on 4th September, 2006. This meeting was called after cancer sufferer, Liz Plummer highlighted in an interview with the Cairns Post newspaper the inadequate oncology services available in Cairns. These inadequate services cause unnecessary pain and suffering by having to travel to Townsville or Brisbane for treatment.
Alarming statistics have revealed that people with cancer in regional areas are 35% more likely to die within 5 years of diagnosis than patients in larger cities, and mortality rates increase the further away the patients live. For some cancers, remote patients are up to 300% more likely to die within 5 years of diagnosis.
This has been the main aim and objective of COUCH – to ensure that Cairns has radiation oncology facilities. With these services, sufferers of cancer will be able to treated here in Cairns, rather than suffer through journeys to Brisbane and Townsville for treatment, experience extended periods away from loved ones and bear the burden of costs of accessing this necessary and life saving treatment.
Since COUCH was formed in 2006, the groundswell of public support has been overwhelming. With Liz Plummer as the passionate crusader and an equally fervent board of directors, COUCH has been at the forefront of bringing this vital issue to the attention of politicians and key health decision makers. To date COUCH and the City of Cairns has raised in excess of $400,000 to contribute to cancer care facilities in Cairns.
In 2009 COUCH achieved it’s primary objective with the Premier Anna Bligh announcing that Cairns would receive radiation oncology services by 2010. This three year battle has seen cancer care facilities for Cairns fast tracked by no less than 5 years.
However, COUCH is still not finished. In recognition of the fact that radiation treatment is just one step in improving the prognosis of cancer sufferers , COUCH now aims to bring about a complete health and wellbeing centre to further enhance the likelihood that people will beat and survive this insidious condition.
Download the COUCH History Milestones & Achievements
Download the COUCH Brochure
News from C.O.U.C.H
Five Trucks Of Equipment Bring Cancer Services One Step Closer
Public Meeting 27th October 2010
Last night COUCH, The Committee for Oncology Unit Cairns Hospital, held a public meeting to update interested people on the progress of the installation of Radiation Oncology in the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre at the Cairns Base Hospital and to call for volunteers to help progress the Cancer Wellness Centre proposed for 100 Reservoir Road.
COUCH funds Lymphatic Mapping Probe for Cairns Base Hospital
Couch was pleased to receive a request from the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation to ask assistance in funding a Lymphatic Mapping Probe for the Operating Theatre Department at Cairns Base Hospital. The Probes are over $20,000 each and are used to detect cancer in the lymph nodes with particular reference to breast cancer and melanoma spread. The COUCH Committee in a unanimous decision approved the request and subsequent funds. COUCH Chairman Charlie Woodwood said “We can see no better use of some of COUCH funds to ensure better treatment of Cancer patients at Cairns Base. For the committee this was a very easy decision.
COUCH Cancer Wellness Centre under threat by Council
PLANS for a cancer wellness centre in Cairns are under threat after a council move to block development on its proposed site.
State and federal politicians and health campaigners are outraged at Cairns Regional Council’s decision to turn the Reservoir Rd site into a conservation zone.
Wellbeing and Accommodation Unit to go ahead
LNP Candidate for Leichhardt Warren Entsch today announced $5 million to build the COUCH Wellbeing & Accommodation Unit.
“This is a project that is essential for our region and I am delighted to be making this announcement today of $5 million to get this project well underway and give cancer sufferers of the Far North what they deserve. This Wellness and Accommodation Centre is to assist those who have just completed treatment and for relatives and carers of those undergoing treatment. It is the second stage of the COUCH vision and under the Coalition it will be made a reality,” said LNP Candidate for Leichhardt Warren Entsch.
New Wellness Centre Announced
CAMPAIGNERS for a better deal for cancer sufferers have urged both major political parties to help fund a $22 million wellness centre in Cairns as part of their federal election pledges. Sign the petition.
Click here to sign the petition
The facility would provide respite, counselling, treatment, accommodation and help alleviate the stress of cancer sufferers currently being forced to travel to Townsville or Brisbane for treatment.
The Committee for Oncology Unit Cairns Hospital says it needs “a couple of million” to start stage one of the project.
The centre would be located on Reservoir Rd, Manoora, with its plans modelled on the leafy environment at Edge Hill’s Collins Avenue.
New ultrasound machine saves patients trip to Brisbane – read more
