October 2002

Closer care for cancer patients

Hundreds of cancer patients each year will have access to treatment closer to home at the new $11 million Ballarat–Austin Radiation Oncology Centre.

Premier Steve Bracks, Health Minister John Thwaites and federal Minister for Health and Ageing Kay Patterson opened the new facility.

‘This centre will help save lives and reduce the upheaval for cancer sufferers during treatment,’ Mr Bracks said.

‘The new Ballarat centre will allow those patients who live in this region to get access to radiotherapy more easily and more often and will also help take pressure off metropolitan radiotherapy services.

‘Being close to family or friends during treatment can make an enormous difference to recovery.’

Mr Thwaites praised the Ballarat community’s efforts, which have also enabled refurbishment of the former nurses’ home to provide comfortable and affordable accommodation for patients.

‘A local action group lobbied for support and residents raised $750,000 toward this unit.’

Based at St John of God Hospital, Ballarat–Austin Radiation Oncology Centre is a partnership between Ballarat Health Services, the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre and the State and Federal Governments.

The two Governments are to fund the centre’s operating costs.