The Territory Labor Government has delivered a critical expansion of the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre which has boosted capacity for more cancer patient treatment services.
This $5 million project has increased the number of chemotherapy chairs by 66 per cent from 12 to 20.
The additional eight chairs will ensure the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre has capacity to treat up to 50 patients per day.
This means more Territorians will have access to cancer services closer to home.
Furthermore, the expanded clinic is now equipped with radiation oncology technology, in addition to a haematology and chemotherapy day care centre.
Since opening in 2010, the Alan Walker Cancer Centre has delivered more than 47,000 chemotherapy treatments.
This expansion project marks the completion of the Expanding Cancer Services Project, which is a joint Territory and Commonwealth initiative including an $8 million contribution from the Territory Government and $15 million from the Commonwealth.
Quotes from Health Minister Natasha Fyles:
“We know a cancer diagnosis can be devastating for families and this expansion means Territorians in need of cancer treatment can stay in Darwin and remain close to loved ones while undergoing treatment
“The Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre has already provided quality care to 425 patients and delivered more than 2500 chemotherapy treatments this year alone. An additional 472 people received oral or subcutaneous chemotherapy or other treatments for cancer, but were not admitted to hospital.
“While we continue to face the challenges of a global pandemic, it’s vital for Territorians not to neglect their general health and book an appointment with a doctor if potential cancer symptoms emerge.”
