THE WORLD’s largest stand-alone asbestos diseases and research institute has been opened at Sydney’s Concord Hospital.
The Bernie Banton Centre was opened on 21 January 2009 by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Named after an outspoken asbestos diseases campaigner, the centre will study pathways to diseases and how they are related to prognosis and treatment. It will concentrate on prevention and treatment.
According to the Prime Minister, the federal government will contribute $5m to the institute.
Rudd pointed out the rising incidences of mesothelioma as an important issue which must be addressed through research. Around 750 Australians workers are expected to be diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases in 2010. 2020 would see a total of 13,000 cases of mesothelioma in Australia.
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