The Western Cancer Centre is one step closer to becoming a reality, after the first concrete was poured at the site of the $35 million facility at Dubbo Hospital.
The first pour focused on the ‘bunker’ for radiation therapy services, which is a first for the Dubbo region. The bunker walls will be up to 2.3 metres thick and will be home to the linear accelerator machine that is used to administer radiation treatment to patients.
This milestone follows demolition of the old Dialysis Unit and Operating Theatres which commenced in February this year; both of which have moved into new facilities as part of the $150 million Dubbo Hospital Redevelopment Stages 3 & 4.
“The Western Cancer Centre is going to be a real game changer for Dubbo and the wider region, and this is a huge milestone on the road to it becoming a reality,” said Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders.
“Unfortunately we all know people and families that have been impacted by cancer, so to have this facility in our region means regional people will be able to get the treatment they need closer to home, which will alleviate some of the stress.”
Following the concrete pours for the bunker and ground floor slab, the structure will begin with the assembly of form work and reinforcement to prepare for the first-floor concrete pour.
The NSW Government is delivering the new $35 million Western Cancer Centre which includes a $25 million contribution from the Federal Government.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton was also delighted to see the progress being made at the site.
“It’s fantastic to see work well underway here at the Western Cancer Centre, which will provide the quality care and support that cancer patients and their families need and deserve,” Mr Coulton said.
“The Nationals in Government are investing in the Western Cancer Centre to give residents of Western New South Wales access to crucial care and support, allowing patients to stay closer to family and loved ones during treatment.
“With every milestone we reach on this project, we are one step closer to providing a better quality of life for cancer sufferers and their families.”
The new cancer centre will provide patients living in regional and remote areas of NSW with improved access to life-saving cancer diagnostic and treatment services much closer to home.
When complete, the new centre will include 16 chemotherapy spaces, a bunker for radiation treatment and a PET CT scanner for cancer diagnostics.
It will also include a wellness space to provide support and well-being services to patients and their families
In November 2019, the contract to build the new Western Cancer Centre was awarded to Lipman Pty Ltd.
Works across the health campus are being carefully staged to ensure all current patient services are maintained during this significant construction period. Construction of the Western Cancer Centre is scheduled for completion in 2021.
To find out more go the NSW Health Infrastructure site here.