THE three-year push for a bigger, better oncology unit in the shire is over, to the delight of those who kick-started the campaign, Tralee and Ron Snape of Central Tilba.
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The first patients have moved into the new Moruya District Hospital ward but, the journey to success began with a joke.
Out with the old and in with the new is exactly what has happened with the Moruya Oncology Unit.
The new state-of-the-art facility at Moruya District Hospital will make a big difference for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
It has been transformed from an old, cramped demountable to a spacious facility with a view.
Ron and Tralee Snape, who started the campaign for a new ward three years ago, did not think it would be successful so quickly.
“I thought maybe 20 years down the track it would happen, but it just took off,” Mrs Snape said.
“People saw the need.
“We were astounded by the community’s response.
“It would not have happened without the community’s support.”
Mrs Snape was treated for cancer in the old building several years ago.
“The old building was small and not very comfortable at all,” she said.
“The new building is absolutely beautiful.
“I was astounded at how luxurious it was and how much of a big difference it is going to make.”
After completing her treatment in 2012, Mrs Snape asked the nurses what she could get them as a gift.
They replied jokingly, ‘a new ward would be good’, which is where the journey to a new facility began.
Not ready to stop, Mrs Snape said the next step was to get radiology services in Moruya.
“That will be a god-send, because you have go to Canberra or Sydney.
“It will be such a help to have that down here.
“To be close to home, instead of four hours away, makes a big difference.
“I will be talking to politicians and rallying the community and they will get behind it because they want it.”
The community raised $210,000 towards the new building.
Cancer Carer campaigner Rob Pollock was a huge supporter of the new oncology ward.
“The community should be extremely proud,” Mr Pollock said.
“For a community the size of the Eurobodalla to raise that much, in such a considerably short period of time, is phenomenal.”
Mr Pollock said it was a good outcome for patients and nurses.
“The new facility will truly blow your mind and I can’t wait to see it being used at the official launch in December,” he said.
“People needing treatment will now have a comfortable, modern facility.”
