HUGE INTEREST: North West Cancer Centre chief radiation therapist David Willis takes members of the public on a tour of the new facility during Saturday’s open day. Photos: Barry Smith 020313BSB09
A HUGE crowd braved the wet weather on Saturday to visit the new North West Cancer Centre at Tamworth Hospital.
Chief radiation therapist David Willis estimated the open day attracted between 800 and 1000 people. He said he used to work at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, the largest in the country, and had not even experienced open days there that had attracted so much attention.
“The team were incredibly happy with how the day turned out and amazed by the response,” Mr Willis said.
At least 30 groups of people were taken on a tour of the centre and got to see the facilities with their own eyes, including the equipment that will bring radiation therapy to the region for the first time later this year.
Mr Willis believed the public interest in the centre also had a lot to do with the strong community involvement in the existing services that moved to the centre.
He said the response to the facility was “overwhelmingly positive”, particularly to the non-clinical, welcoming look of the centre.
“I think people have been delighted with the outcome,” Mr Willis said.
Even the rain held off long enough for a barbecue to be held.
The hospital auxiliary also hosted a morning tea, and kids enjoyed face painting and balloons.
