The petition of residents of the Atherton Tablelands and surrounding district draws to the attention of the House that the chemotherapy unit at the Atherton Hospital provides vital services and excellent care for cancer patients.

The loss of the chemotherapy unit will have massive implications for cancer patients who will have to journey to Cairns to access treatment.  This will involve travel and accommodation expenses for many as well as stress and anxiety to patients who are already suffering with cancer.

We, the residents call on the Queensland Government to commit to ensuring that there is no cutback of chemotherapy services at the Atherton Hospital and that the Queensland Government will guarantee to fully fund these services as the loss of the chemotherapy unit will impact severely on cancer sufferers, their families and the community.