Cancer patients in Melbourne’s west will gain access to radiation therapy closer to home following the opening of Wyndham’s first dedicated treatment centre at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee.
The $14 million GenesisCare facility is expected to treat more than 500 patients each year, reducing the need for people to travel outside the region for regular cancer appointments.
GenesisCare estimates the centre could save patients about 15 hours of travel over the course of their treatment. It is the only radiation therapy facility serving the nearly 70-kilometre corridor between Geelong and Footscray.
The opening addresses a major gap in cancer services across Melbourne’s rapidly growing western suburbs. Research modelling suggests almost half of Australians diagnosed with cancer could benefit from radiation therapy.
GenesisCare Radiation Oncologist Dr Mario Guerrieri say the centre would provide personalised treatment using advanced technology and evidence-based techniques.
“This centre offers GenesisCare’s model of personalised cancer care using state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based radiation therapy techniques.” said Guerrieri
“Having these services available locally helps patients to maintain their routines and keep support networks close, which can play an important role in their overall treatment experience and outcomes.” he said.
The purpose-built centre includes a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator capable of delivering highly precise radiation therapy, including stereotactic treatments that target tumours while limiting exposure to surrounding tissue.
It also provides surface-guided, tattoo-free radiation therapy and on-site CT imaging, allowing clinicians to plan and deliver treatment for a wide range of tumour types.
GenesisCare Unit Leader and Radiation Therapist Jennie Dao, who lives locally and works at the new centre, said it would make treatment more accessible for Wyndham residents.
“I know this new centre will make a difference to local patients – it will cut the commute time and build a bridge for patients. Melbourne is growing and it’s great to be a part of the team expanding and delivering GenesisCare’s cancer services in new communities.” said Dao
The centre will operate alongside St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee’s existing cancer services, including surgery, medical oncology and its recently refurbished Day Infusion Centre.
St Vincent’s Private Hospital Victorian Chief Executive Geraldine Lannon says adding radiation therapy would create one of the most comprehensive cancer treatment services in Melbourne’s west.
“Introducing radiation therapy will significantly strengthen cancer care at St Vincent’s Werribee, complementing existing cancer services including surgery and medical oncology and the recently refurbished Day Infusion Centre, and giving local patients access to one of the most comprehensive oncology services in Melbourne’s western region.” said Lannon
Member for Werribee John Lister MP welcomed the investment in local health infrastructure.
“Thank you to GenesisCare and St Vincent’s for their continued investment in the health of our thriving community.”
Demand for cancer treatment is expected to continue growing across Wyndham, which remains one of Australia’s fastest-growing municipalities.
Almost 4,000 Wyndham residents reported having cancer, including people in remission, during the 2021 Census.
GenesisCare and St Vincent’s said bringing advanced radiation treatment closer to home would reduce the burden placed on patients and their families while helping people maintain their work, routines and support networks during treatment.
