HEALTH minister Jillian Skinner has made a tentative commitment that prostate biopsy services will be available “sometime after the next six weeks”.
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The Advertiser tried to clarify with Ms Skinner’s office when the much-needed service will be available at Wagga Base Hospital but was not given an assurance as to what month examinations will begin to be carried out.
Despite a commitment to have the biopsy service available soon after Easter, Ms Skinner said yesterday on the Ray Hadley Morning Show the procedure was at least six weeks away.
“I understand community disappointment that this service is not yet up and running but I can assure Wagga residents and those from neighbouring communities that prostate biopsies will soon be delivered at the hospital.”
The minister said she had been told the necessary equipment was six weeks away from being delivered.
She also said had provided $50,000 from her ministerial contingency fund to purchase the equipment.
“I’m told the equipment will arrive in the next six weeks and once configured these biopsies will be able to be provided at Wagga,” she said.
“The local health district remains in negotiations with local urologists to ensure they can provide these biopsies at Wagga.”