Shadow Minister for Health Leanne Castley is calling on the Health Minister to improve the terms and conditions offered to gynaecology oncologist applicants who wish to take a permanent position in the ACT.

Ms Castley said, “the ACT Government’s recent announcement that a traveling clinic from Sydney will continue in the ACT is a desperate measure to save face from the Minister as CHS failed Canberra women by bungling negotiations last year.”

Following protracted negotiations with CHS a sub-specialist who applied to establish a clinic in the ACT withdrew their application last year because CHS refused to increase the amount of surgery hours to meet the current demand.

FOI documents reveal that between July and November 2022 the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney performed a total of 189 operating hours for Canberra women, which works out to 9 operating lists per month, as opposed to CHS’ offer of 2 sessions per month.

“Canberra Health Services own implementation plan outlines the benefits of implementing a permanent service which include reduced wait times, improved consumer experience and outcomes comparable to peer services,” Ms Castley said.

“Women with complex cancers are forced to travel to Sydney, more than 3,200 people signed a petition supporting a permanent gynaecology oncology unit and waitlists continue to increase.

“Despite this the Minister continues to play hardball and is leaving women in the lurch with another fly-in-fly-out service.

“I believe the Minister needs to change her approach so the ACT can get in line with peer hospitals and women can be treated in the ACT in time for the 2023-24 budget.

“The Minister has said at every point that she is committed to establishing a permanent unit and now it is time for her to show that commitment.

“Women who need to access gynaecology oncology services should be at the front of mind for the Minister rather than nit-picking over terms and conditions,” Ms Castley concluded.