The recent announcement of a radiotherapy unit at Tauranga Hospital is incredible news. While there is a Cancer Lodge for patients to stay during treatment in Hamilton, this separates loved ones at a vulnerable time and very difficult if the patient is a mother with a young family.
In our situation, when our daughters were young, we travelled daily to Hamilton for six weeks, which is very traumatic especially when this often follows chemotherapy when the patient's immunity is very low. Over the years we have long lobbied for a radiotherapy unit in Tauranga, so this is indeed very welcome.
In 2004, we both stood for the BOP District Health Board and on our posters and in our profile 'Tauranga must have its own radiotherapy unit”. Debbie was elected to the BOP District Health Board 2004 - 2010 and regularly pushed this issue.
Huge congratulations and thanks to those who have brought this about, it will make such a difference to cancer care and attract medical staff.

Tim and Debbie Short, Ohauiti.