Funding boost for Wimmera Cancer Centre
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Specialist centres 16 November 2017

Funding boost for Wimmera Cancer Centre

The Victorian Government has stepped in to guarantee the Wimmera Cancer Centre is built so that local patients will be able to access world-leading oncology care, close to home and when they need it.

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy announced that Wimmera Healthcare Group would receive a further boost of $1.6 million from the Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, ensuring the project can go ahead.

The additional funding comes on top of the Government’s initial $1 million contribution to the project. 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.

Wimmera Healthcare Group’s oncology unit is set to treat 2,300 patients this year – cancer has the highest incidence of any disease in Wimmera Southern Mallee region and the demand for cancer services is growing.

The total cost of the project is $5.35 million with construction expected to start in November. Currently, local cancer patients have to travel to Ballarat for treatment, meaning long drives and time away from their families.

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Last updated: 16 November 2017