Ms ADDISON (Wendouree)

Nobody ever wants to hear the news that a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, particularly when the devastating news includes that the cancer is terminal. This was my experience when my father, Les Dickinson, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumour, in January 2020.

I am incredibly grateful for the nearly 20 months we had with him, and much of this is due to the quality health care Les received throughout his cancer treatment in Ballarat. Despite the many challenges of the global COVID pandemic, his care was never compromised.

Health care is the largest employer in the electorate of Wendouree, and as a community we are so fortunate to have excellent hospitals, community health, general practice, pharmacies and palliative care providers.

Les received the best of care from day one to the very end. This is due to the world-class cancer care provided by the staff at the Ballarat Health Services, the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre and St John of God Ballarat.

Thank you to the paramedics, the nurses, doctors, pharmacists, allied health professionals as well as the hospital staff, including the administrators and cleaners, who provide incredible care for cancer patients every day of the year.

Thank you also to Ballarat Hospice Care for the specialist quality palliative care you provide for members of our community in their final days. The provision of care by the compassionate team at Hospice allow many people to choose to die peacefully and without pain at home.

The Ballarat community are deeply indebted to our highly respected healthcare workers, and I offer them my heartfelt thanks.