The McGowan Government’s new radiation oncology service for Albany and the Great Southern is a step closer with the site for the new specialised bunker identified and design planning underway.
The new oncology service will provide treatment closer to home for suitable cancer patients in the Great Southern region. Putting patients first is a key commitment of the McGowan Labor Government and this new service offers integrated care from a local, multidisciplinary team throughout all stages of cancer treatment and recovery.
A specialised bunker, known as a Linac Suite, will be located within the Cancer Centre at Albany Health Campus. The Linac Suite will deliver radiation oncology services using high energy x-rays which destroy cancer cells while sparing the surrounding tissue.
The WA Country Health Service has:
- Completed the concept brief, feasibility study and business case
- Chosen the site for the Linac Suite
- Appointed a lead consultant
- Design and development phase underway
The design and development phase will also include significant community involvement, with local community members participating through user groups.
Construction will take approximately 12 months after the planning is complete, with the service anticipated to be operational by early 2022.
The estimated demand on radiation oncology services in the Great Southern is anticipated to increase from around 4,000 cases in 2016-17 to more than 6,000 by 2030-31.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“The McGowan Government is committed to putting patients first and providing lifesaving cancer treatment closer to home meets this aim.”
“The McGowan Government has invested $13 million to provide Albany Health Campus with the infrastructure to deliver radiation oncology services. This is patient centered, compassionate healthcare.
As stated by Hon. Peter Watson MLA, member for Albany
This new cancer service means patients will be able to stay at home with family and friends rather than having to travel to Perth for treatment. With the Great Southern population due to grow by more than seven per cent in the next decade, services like these will be in more demand.
“With the site for the new Linac Suite in the hospital chosen and the planning well underway, cancer patients in the Great Southern can be assured of receiving this new life saving service as soon as practically possible.”
