The Andrews Labor Government has stepped in to guarantee the Wimmera Cancer Centre is built so local patients will be able to access world-leading oncology care, close to home and when they need it.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today announced that Wimmera Healthcare Group would receive a further boost of $1.6 million from the Labor Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, ensuring this critical project can go ahead.
The additional funding comes on top of the Labor Government’s initial $1 million contribution to the project, taking our total investment in the Wimmera Cancer Centre to $2.6 million.
This will see the project expanded beyond just a redevelopment of the Wimmera Healthcare Group’s oncology unit to include renal dialysis services and palliative care accommodation.
The Centre will include nine new day chemotherapy chairs, a wellness service, six renal dialysis chairs and modern accommodation facilities for palliative care services.
Cancer has the highest incidence of any disease in Wimmera Southern Mallee region, meaning the demand for cancer services is growing. Wimmera Healthcare Group’s oncology unit is set to treat 2,300 patients this year.
The total cost of the project is $5.35 million, with construction now expected to start in November.
The Victorian Budget 2017/18 provided $1.67 billion to support hospitals to meet demand, respond to family violence and provide the high quality care Victorian patients deserve, now and into the future.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“We’ve stepped in to save the Wimmera Cancer Centre by providing the additional funding needed for this vital project to go ahead.”
“This will secure the future of the Wimmera Cancer Centre and will mean more cancer patients can access the highest quality cancer care, right on their doorstep.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“Currently, local cancer patients have to travel to Ballarat for treatment, meaning long drives and time away from their families. The Wimmera Cancer Centre will change that.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020