Midwest cancer patients will be at home with new hostel

The Midwest Cancer Hostel will provide rural communities with access to the health services they need, as close to home as possible, when it opens its doors later this year.

WA Country Health Service’s Acting Regional Director Midwest, Karen Street, said the hostel was an important development for the region, which will enable people to live as part of their community while also receiving the support and treatment they require.

“A cancer journey can be long and arduous; more an uphill trek than an actual journey.

“Providing health services as close to home as possible is an important step in the health and wellbeing of our rural communities and the hostel is closely located behind the recently completed Midwest Cancer Centre to ensure patients are near to their treatment facilities.

“With seven double rooms, the accommodation is great news for not only the people receiving treatment, but their carers too,” said Karen.

Careful consideration has gone into the design of the new hostel which will provide a welcoming, non-clinical, safe, secure and culturally appropriate facility for patients traveling to the Midwest for their cancer treatment.

“The brief was simple – to create a home away from home and I think we have achieved that.”

Senior architect Nick Silich, SPH Architecture and Interiors, is pleased with the progress of the hostel, which will allow patients to be treated and cared for in modern, state-of-the-art facilities close to their families and loved ones.

“At the heart of the design is the focus on patient recovery and wellbeing,” said Nick.

“Meandering paths, thoughtful landscaping and entry from the rear of the units through the outdoor areas all help to provide a layered transition between the public and private spaces.”

Raked ceilings in all the rooms will also provide patients with a sense of openness and light.

The $1.38 million Midwest Cancer Hostel is being constructed by the WA Country Health Service on behalf of the Australian Government’s Health and Hospitals Fund (HHF).

It is expected to be completed mid-year and will be a welcome addition to those who need a ‘home away from home.’

The Midwest Cancer Hostel is being delivered as part of a $5.48 million commitment in Geraldton which has already seen the construction of a six chair, one bed chemotherapy unit completed in 2016.

Both projects are part of the Strengthening Cancer Services in Regional Western Australia initiative; a $22.9 million commitment by the Australian Government which will see 10 projects delivered by WACHS across the State.

WACHS media contact: Clare Paterson, 9223 8754