Treatment options close to home for Albany cancer patients

The McGowan Government has today officially opened the state-of-the-art Albany radiation oncology facility, delivering on an important commitment to establish lifesaving cancer services in the Great Southern.
  • Albany's new $13.1 million radiation oncology facility now complete
  • Cancer patients in the Great Southern no longer need to travel to Perth for lifesaving treatment
  • State-of-the-art facility part of the McGowan Government's commitment to ensuring patients have access to healthcare services closer to home

The McGowan Government has today officially opened the state-of-the-art Albany radiation oncology facility, delivering on an important commitment to establish lifesaving cancer services in the Great Southern.

The $13.1 million facility will provide patients with access to specialised cancer treatment equipment which previously would have required an 830km round trip to Perth, or a 670km round trip to Bunbury.

The service will offer treatment for cancers including prostate, breast, lung and colorectal cancers, as well as palliative treatments for symptom control.

The facility houses a linear accelerator, which uses focused, high-energy particles to target cancer cells and minimise the impact on surrounding tissue.

GenesisCare has been awarded a 10-year contract to operate the facility and will work alongside clinicians from Albany Health Campus to deliver comprehensive treatment for local cancer patients close to home, loved ones and support networks.

WA Country Health has increased its outpatient cancer care across regional WA by 105 per cent since 2017.

The new facility will welcome its first patients on 3 April 2023.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan: 

"I'm proud to have delivered on our commitment to establish Albany's first radiation oncology facility.

"Radiation oncology treatment often requires multiple attendances over a period of time, so having this facility locally means cancer patients can remain close to family and friends through their time of need.

"We want all Western Australians to have access to world class healthcare regardless of where they're geographically located, and this is just another way we're making that happen."

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"This state-of-the-art facility will deliver immediate benefits to patients by giving them access to specialised equipment, without the need to travel.

"The radiation oncology centre can provide treatment for cancers including prostate, breast, lung and colorectal cancers, as well as palliative treatments for symptom control.

"As part of this project we've also delivered an additional 70 car bays - something the community told us was much needed for the busy Albany Health Campus."

Comments attributed to Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:

"This new radiation oncology unit is a game-changer for our region and our community.

"A treatment that would have previously involved an 830km round trip to Perth or 670km round trip to Bunbury is now available right here in Albany."

Premier's office - 6552 5000
Health Minister's office - 6552 5900


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