Petition officially sent to Mr Hazzard MP

Hello everyone 

Thanks for your support in campaigning for BreastScreen NSW clinics to reopen. You may have seen announcements that clinics are reopening, this is good news, however they are opening gradually, and are prioritising cancelled appointments, and those who have previously been screened at BreastScreen. I have concerns about how long it will take to clear the backlog of cancelled appointments and that women who have become eligible screening (40+) cannot make an appointment (some locations, perhaps not everywhere). We know early detection is key to achieving the best outcome. 

When we reached 30,000 signatures I sent the petition to Mr Brad Hazzard, along with an email reiterating my concerns regarding the closures leading to women being diagnosed with later stage cancer as a direct result of delayed screening. I asked Mr Hazzard whether there was a plan to get on top of the backlog of appointments. Mr Hazzard’s office advised me the petition would be sent to Mr Hazzard via his Chief of Staff. My email was dated 19 October and I have not yet had a response. 

I’d like to thank Ms Sophie Cotsis, Member for Canterbury, and Mr Ryan Park, Member for Kiera  for their support on this issue. Ms Cotsis and Mr Park appear in the channel 10 news link below. Ms Cotsis and Mr Park are continuing to raise this issue. 

What can you do? If you’re in NSW, please get in touch with your local member to put this issue on their agenda - specifically, the plan to catch up on the backlog of appointments to ensure that everyone is up to date. 

Lastly, if you are due for a mammogram and can book one please do. Call BreastScreen Australia on 132050.

thanks

Christina