Opening of Bunbury Radiation Oncology Service

Thursday, 21 July 2011

Residents in Bunbury no longer need to travel to Perth for radiation treatment following the opening today of the South West Radiation Oncology Service.

Acting Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler and Western Australian Senator, Louise Pratt, said the new facility will be of enormous assistance to cancer sufferers in the Bunbury region who will be able to access world class care close to home.

“The Gillard Labor Government is determined to ensure that Australians receive world‑class cancer care, wherever they live,” Mr Butler said.

“Investing in the prevention of cancer, and treating it earlier and more effectively, are key priorities for the Government through national health reform.

“The Gillard Labor Government is investing over $2 billion to build a world-class cancer care system that delivers more specialists, medicines, screening and research, as well as bricks and mortar.

In formally opening the new $15.2 million South West Radiation Oncology Service, Senator Pratt said that Bunbury residents would now have access to world class care at their doorstep.

“With some cancers, patients from rural areas are up to three times more likely to die within five years of diagnosis than their urban counterparts,” said Senator Pratt.

“That’s why I’m pleased to be delivering on the approval that Federal Labor gave this project in May 2008. It will mean residents of the South West can access the life saving treatment they need, closer to home.

The new facility is co-located with the Bunbury Hospital, and is linked to the hospital by a secure and protected walkway to allow access in all weathers.

The facility includes two linear accelerators, treatment rooms and patient clinics. Installation of a second linear accelerator will cater for future growth in the region and   allow continuity of service during unforseen downtime and routine maintenance.

The service will be operated as a public/private partnership arrangement with Radiation Oncology Associates, a subsidiary of Genesis Health Care, who will also operate the facility at Royal Perth Hospital from 1 July 2011.

“It is great to see significant investments being made here in Bunbury - the South West Radiation Oncology Service is the result of a $6 million investment by the Gillard Government through the Better Access to Radiation Oncology measure, and $9.2 million investment from the Western Australian State Government,” said Senator Pratt.

“In addition, the Gillard Government has committed $23.4 million to building a Comprehensive Cancer Centre at the same site under our Regional Cancer Centres Initiative.

“The Centre will include a 12 chair chemotherapy unit, a positron emission tomography (PET) machine and patient residential accommodation.

“That’s an investment of $29.4 million by the Gillard Government in better cancer services for the South West.

The integrated cancer centre is on track for practical completion in December 2012.

 Media contact: Senator Pratt’s office 08 9225 4411

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