History
COUCH - Committee for Oncology Unit Cairns Hospital
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.
1st Public Meeting
Pacific International Hotel- Cairns, Queensland - 4th September 2006
Charles Woodward pointed out the chronic shortage of cancer treatment facilities for people in Cairns and the Far North region.
Liz Plummer spoke as a cancer patient reiterating the plight of cancer patients in the Far North.
Charles Woodward called for formation of a committee to run COUCH.
2nd Public Meeting
Pacific International Hotel - Cairns, Queensland - 29 November 2006
Meeting updated everyone on progress of COUCH.
Speakers:
Dr Andrew Shearer, Haematologist, Cairns Hospital
Margaret Gargan, founder of Bloomhill Cancer Help Centre, Sunshine Coast
3rd Public Meeting
Quality Hotel, Sheridan Plaza - Cairns, Queensland - 5th March 2007
Speaker: Liz Plummer spoke and shared her journey with everyone
4 Sub committees formed:
Support * Fundraising * Public Relations * Retreat
Speakers:
Glenys Duncombe, Mother
Cr Kevin Byrne, Mayor of Cairns
Dr Ken Chapman, Chairman Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation
Liz Plummer, Cancer Patient
4th Public Meeting
Quality Hotel, Sheridan Plaza - Cairns, Queensland - 17th July 2007
“You will associate the simplicity of our COUCH logo to the shape of a human ear, meant to signify “listening” to the community, and the colours of the rainbow to inspire hope, faith and infinity”