COUCH – Committee for Oncology Unit Cairns Hospital

 COUCH is an Action Group that was formed by Charles and Pip Woodward at a public meeting they organised on 4^th September, 2006. This meeting was called after cancer sufferer, Liz Plummer highlighted in an interview with the Cairns Post newspaper the inadequate oncology services available in Cairns. These inadequate services cause unnecessary pain and suffering by having to travel to Townsville or Brisbane for treatment.

 Alarming statistics have revealed that people with cancer in regional areas are 35% more likely to die within 5 years of diagnosis than patients in larger cities, and mortality rates increase the further away the patients live. For some cancers, remote patients are up to 300% more likely to die within 5 years of diagnosis.

1^st Public Meeting

Pacific International Hotel

Cairns, Queensland

4^th September 2006

Charles Woodward pointed out the chronic shortage of cancer treatment facilities for people in Cairns and the Far North region.

Liz Plummer spoke as a cancer patient reiterating the plight of cancer patients

in the Far North.

Charles Woodward called for formation of a committee to run COUCH.

2^nd Public Meeting

Pacific International Hotel

Cairns, Queensland

29 November 2006

Meeting updated everyone on progress of COUCH.

Speakers:

Dr Andrew Shearer, Haematologist, Cairns Hospital

Margaret Gargan, founder of Bloomhill Cancer Help Centre, Sunshine Coast

3^rd Public Meeting

Quality Hotel, Sheridan Plaza

Cairns, Queensland

5^th March 2007

Speaker: Liz Plummer spoke and shared her journey with everyone

4 Sub committees formed:

Support    *    Fundraising     *     Public Relations    *    Retreat
Speakers:

Glenys Duncombe, Mother

Cr Kevin Byrne, Mayor of Cairns

Dr Ken Chapman, Chairman Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation

Liz Plummer, Cancer Patient

4^th Public Meeting

Quality Hotel, Sheridan Plaza

Cairns, Queensland

17^th July 2007