PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA 14 June 1985
The Commonwealth Government will meet the costs of heart
and lung transplant patient Mr Les Pates.
The announcement of the decision was made following discussion
between the Acting Prime Minister, Mr Lionel Bowen, and the
Acting Minister for Finance, Mr Chris Hurford.
The decision has been reached after new information that the
proposed operation, which would be conducted in Pittsburgh
was no longer considered experimental by the doctors involved.
It has been confirmed the operation has a success rate in
excess of
Mr Bowen said that given the latest information the Government
believed any doubt that remained as to Mr Pates' eligibility
for assistance should be resolved in his favour. He said the
Government wished to take a prompt decision in Mr Pates'
interest rather than let the matter drag on.
He said that funds would be provided initially for Mr Pates
to travel to the US for an assessment of his suitability
for the operation and that, subject to that assessment being
positive, further funding would be provided.
Hawke, Robert
Period of Service: 11/03/1983 - 20/12/1991
Find more information on Hawke, Robert on the:
Release Date:
14/06/1985
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
6647
Document:
00006647.pdf
1 Page(s)
Released by:
- Hawke, Robert James Lee
UNKNOWN
6647