Lifesaving Albany radiation oncology service on track
Health Minister Hon. Roger Cook, Albany MLA-elect Rebecca Stephens and staff from Albany Health Campus celebrate the milestone.
Construction is well underway on the $13.1 million Albany radiation oncology project, which will provide Great Southern residents with access to lifesaving cancer treatment closer to home and on country.
The project has reached its first construction milestone on schedule, allowing main building works to commence without delay.
In a visit to Albany Health Campus today, Health Minister Roger Cook announced that Western Australian construction company BGC will deliver the main works portion of the Albany Health Campus radiation oncology project.
Generating more than 50 local jobs in the process, the news comes as the forward works reached practical completion on schedule.
These critical works included site preparations to safely house the complex machinery ensuring patients, visitors and staff will be protected from radiation exposure.
Additionally, an expanded car park with 70 bays is now available, helping to alleviate congestion from verges and side streets surrounding the campus.
WA Country Health Service Regional Director – Great Southern – Geraldine Ennis said this first stage of construction is critical to safely housing the complex machinery to ensure patients, visitors and staff are protected from radiation exposure.
“Once complete, the project will deliver a specialised bunker, known as a Linac Suite, to provide radiation oncology treatment using radiation to destroy cancer cells,” Ms Ennis said.
“Being able to remain close to family, friends and broader support networks while undergoing treatment will improve the patient journey for our Great Southern cancer patients.”
“This not only delivers on the WA Country Health Service’s commitment to care close to home but builds upon our Cancer Strategy 2017/22.”
It is expected the service will be fully operational in late 2022.