$4.1 million cancer centre and $1.2 million renal centre now open
Seven chemotherapy chairs
Video conferencing helps co-ordinate regional cancer and renal care
Cancer and renal patients are benefiting from the $4.1 million state-of-the-art Midwest Cancer Centre and the $1.2 million Garburdiny Renal Centre, officially opened in Geraldton today by Health Minister John Day.
Mr Day said both centres reflected the Liberal National Government's policy of bringing advanced health care as close to home as possible, increasing convenience and efficiency.
"This is especially important for cancer and renal patients because treatment almost always involves regular and repeated hospital attendance," he said.
"The new centres mean more people can be treated locally, where they have the support of family and friends.
"The new cancer centre has been developed in partnership with the Commonwealth and also includes facilities for medical oncology clinics. Complementing the cancer centre will be the Midwest Cancer Hostel which is due to start construction soon, with completion scheduled for late 2017."
Patients began receiving treatment in the new renal facilities in September 2016, with services in the new cancer centre starting in October 2016.
"Chemotherapy services have been expanded and chemotherapy treatment bays increased from five to seven," the Minister said.
"The services will be provided as part of the Liberal National Government's six-year Delivering Quality Cancer Care in Rural WA initiative.
"McGrath Breast Cancer Nurses, visiting specialist services and video conferencing facilities are all located in the centre to enable better co-ordination and enhanced care for residents across the region."
The Garburdiny Renal Centre is conveniently located close to the renal dialysis unit which operates nine dialysis chairs, six days a week.
"Garburdiny means kidney in the Yamatji language," Mr Day said.
"The new centre creates a renal services hub, bringing together a multi-disciplinary health team augmented by visiting specialists."
Fact File
Construction funding came from the Commonwealth's Health and Hospitals Fund
Operation of the cancer and renal centres is funded by the State Government
Local contractor Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets Pty Ltd built both centres, employing about 160 tradespeople, with 20 apprentices and six school-based trainees
The cancer hostel will include seven double bedrooms with kitchens and ensuite bathrooms, plus a communal garden area
Minister's office - 6552 6200
