Suitable cancer patients in the Great Southern will soon be able to receive potentially life-saving treatment closer to their home, loved ones and their support networks, with the Albany Radiation Oncology Service reaching another significant milestone.
Australian-based integrated oncology provider GenesisCare has been awarded a 10-year contract to operate the service, providing treatment for cancers including prostate, breast, lung and colorectal cancers, as well as palliative treatments for symptom control.
Delivering on the McGowan Government's election commitment to offer cancer services closer to home, the $13.1 million purpose-built facility will house a Linear Accelerator, or Linac, to target cancer cells while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
GenesisCare's radiation oncologists and specialist team will work alongside clinicians from WA Country Health Service, the Albany Health Campus Medical Oncology team in particular, to provide fully integrated cancer care to patients across the Great Southern region.
The new fit-for-purpose facility will be fully integrated with the existing hospital to ensure a seamless patient experience.
The capital component of the project is expected to reach practical completion in late 2022, and is aimed at improving and expanding the delivery of cancer services across regional Western Australia.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The award of this contract brings us another step closer to establishing the very first radiation oncology service in the Great Southern.
"This delivers on our commitment towards providing care closer to home for patients undergoing cancer treatment and we're pleased to partner with GenesisCare who offer similar services in Bunbury."
As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"The delivery of this 10-year contract to GenesisCare to operate the facility is an important milestone and will enable patients undergoing cancer treatment to access care locally.
"The Albany Radiation Oncology Service will give Great Southern residents access to specialists and technicians, in partnership with dedicated local clinicians and support staff to give them the best possible support throughout their cancer treatment."
