Macquarie Home Stay gets $2.5 million boost
Patients across western NSW who travel to Dubbo to receive treatment will be able to access affordable accommodation – and a home away from home – with the NSW Government announcing $2.5 million to deliver a purpose-built oncology accommodation precinct.
Member for the Dubbo and Minister for Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the $2.5m investment will help deliver 26 new rooms, more than doubling the current capacity of Macquarie Home Stay.
“Following the opening of the Western Cancer Centre, Dubbo has become a centre of excellence for healthcare across the entire region,” Mr Saunders said.
“We know people will continue to come to Dubbo to receive health treatment, and we’re committed to removing barriers to ensure everyone can get the care they need no matter where they live.
“One of those barriers has been affordable accommodation, and that’s exactly what this funding will help address,” he said.
“Since the Federal Labor government pulled funding for this vital expansion, I’ve been working with the Premier, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor to highlight the importance of this investment.
“Today is a great day and shows people across the entire region that this government has their back.”
Macquarie Home Stay managing director Rod Crowfoot said the demand for affordable accommodation is clear, with the Western Cancer Centre providing care to people living right across the region, including Mudgee, Walgett, Bourke, and Cobar.
“I’m proud that we’ve been able to support patients, their families and their carers across western NSW during some of the toughest moments of their lives,” he said.
“This really does become a ‘home away from home’ as people become repeat visitors during treatment, and often need to stay for extended periods of 5 or 6 weeks. This expansion is going to allow us to support so many more people that are sometimes missing out.”
The announcement complements the $149.5 million expansion of the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS), announced as part of the 2022-23 NSW government budget.
“With the increased subsidies through IPTAAS and affordable, specialised health accommodation in Dubbo, patients and their families won’t have to make sacrifices to receive treatment,” Mr Saunders said.
“Since the changes in August last year, more than 6,400 people have accessed the scheme across western NSW saving them hundreds, even thousands of dollars.”
Mr Crowfoot said he was thankful to the NSW government for stepping in to provide the funding, and he singled out three politicians for special thanks – Member for Dubbo and Minister for Western NSW Dugald Saunders, Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor, and Deputy Premier Paul Toole.
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