COUCH

COUCH Wellness Centre Brochure

The National Breast Cancer Foundation has established a register for researchers to access when they are trying to find a cure for cancer.

Currently it takes three years to put together a group for a trial, the register will take 24 hours.

 To begin with the register will be for breast cancer research (female & male) and will later be available for research to find a cure for all cancers.

 Please contact me for more information crewair@ozemail.com.au or Google www.register4.org.au to join the register.

In a major milestone for the introduction of improved cancer services for the Cairns community, two linear accelerators have arrived at the hospital today.

Minister for Health Geoff Wilson said he was delighted at the arrival of this vital equipment which will provide improved cancer services for North Queensland residents.

“Once assembled, these linear accelerators will form the machines that administer radiation therapy to locals needing treatment,” Mr Wilson said.

“The first patients are expected to receive their radiation oncology treatment when the service commences in mid-2011.

“This is more evidence of the Bligh Government’s commitment to providing cancer services to Queenslanders closer to where they live.”

Member for Cairns Desley Boyle was pleased locals would be able to receive radiation treatment closer to home for the first time ever.

“This will mean an extra 340 patients will no longer need to travel to Townsville or Brisbane to receive their treatment,” Ms Boyle said.

“The arrival of the linear accelerators makes our new radiation oncology centre a reality.”

Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said the delivery of the machines was a complex process which would be handled by a team of experts.

“The heaviest part of each linear accelerator weighs 6.2 tonnes and after assembly, the total weight of each machine is nine tonnes,” Mr Wettenhall said.

“The linear accelerators will arrive in five trucks and each machine is in four separate parts to enable it to be manoeuvred through the entrance and into the specially constructed concrete bunkers.

“A crane will be used to unload the parts and then around 15 people in the rigging team will use air skates – four mini-hovercrafts that are 45 centimetres in diameter – to lift and manoeuvre the sections through the building.”

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said each state-of-the-art linear accelerator would be assembled inside its own bunker which has been constructed with up to one metre thick concrete walls and roof.

“One of the incredible features of the linear accelerator is that nine tonnes of machinery is able to rotate 360 degrees around the patient to deliver radiation therapy while maintaining an accuracy of less than one millimetre,” Mr Pitt said.

“It will take four weeks to assemble each machine and then a further eight weeks in calibration, testing and safety assurance to bring them online.”

Member for Cook Jason O’Brien said work is continuing on fitting out the interior of the new Cancer Care Centre at the hospital which will accommodate the new $5.5 million radiation oncology equipment, software and related equipment that was delivered today.

“The radiation oncology service will be fully integrated with other cancer services currently at the hospital including day chemotherapy, specialist outpatient cancer care clinics, surgical and medical services, and palliative care,” Mr O’Brien said.

The Commonwealth Government has contributed $8.3 million to the construction of the new radiation oncology facility.

The radiation oncology service, including the two linear accelerators, will be run by Radiation Oncology Queensland, who was announced as the operator in November 2010 to provide public radiation oncology services in the area.

The new cancer care facility will be an important part of the State Government’s $454.6 million redevelopment of the Cairns Base Hospital, which is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2014.

When complete, the redeveloped hospital will provide new and improved health services, including:

the ambulatory cancer care centre with the new radiation oncology service for those requiring cancer treatment;

additional cardiac care facilities for patients with heart related illnesses;

additional surgical capacity including increased day surgery;

expanded intensive care capacity;

expanded birthing services, special care nursery and a new low risk birth centre;

additional aged care and rehabilitation services; and

additional beds for mental health services.

ENDS

“Margaritaville comes back to Cairns!”

 Get set for the return of Cairns’ most colourful tropical party of the year at Yorkey’s Knob Boating Club  …

Barbary Coasters’ 8^th Annual Jimmy Buffett Parrothead Party on Sunday 1st May.

 The fun kicks off at 2pm in great Tropical style when  Barbary Coasters take the stage with a full-on show of all the best Jimmy Buffett music that will have fans “up & partying & singing along” to every song! Once again we can expect some crazy tropical games, WILD outfits and some great prizes.

 Now in it’s 8^th year, the day has become a firm favourite on the YKBC calendar, and once again a full house is expected – return bookings have already been confirmed from dedicated Parrotheads who fly up specially for the show from Melbourne and Sydney.

Barbary Coasters’  “Parrothead Party” is now officially recognised and sanctioned by Phins Downunder (The Australian Parrothead Club) who are the official arm of “Parrotheads In Paradise Inc” (PHIP) which is the huge Jimmy Buffett fan club/ fundraising movement throughout the USA.  This ensures that the show (and band) not only receives recognition throughout Australia but to all associated groups in the US as well!  If you’re not already a member , Membership forms will be available on the day or you can go online to www.australianparrotheadclub.com

Again this year the event will be raising funds in support of COUCH – (Cairns Oncology Unit Cairns Hospital) in the form of Gold Coin donations throughout the day.

Joining Barbary Coasters (Nikki Lowmass & Vance Fahey) this year will be the talents of Brian Pitcher on congas, bongos and everything percussion, and everybody is expected to don their WILDEST tropical gear (good taste NOT a requirement) & get ready to have fun, dance, sing and pop a gold coin in the tin for COUCH.

On the 16th April, Alan Neven will do the unthinkable. He is going to shave his head and his beard, all for COUCH. Join Allan on the 16th April 2011 at the Dimbulah Pony Club and help Alan in his aim of raising $3,000 for COUCH.