Another important milestone has been reached at the $35 million Western Cancer Centre with the first concrete being poured at the facility.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton was joined by Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders today to inspect construction progress.
“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.”
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the concrete pour has focused on the ‘bunker’ slab 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,” Mr Saunders said.
“This exciting milestone follows demolition of the old dialysis unit and operating theatres which commenced in February this year.
“This project is an excellent demonstration of State and Federal Governments working together to deliver better outcomes for the people of Western NSW.”
When complete, the new centre will include 16 chemotherapy spaces, a bunker for radiation treatment and a PET CT scanner for cancer diagnostics. The new building will be at least 2,887 square metres in size and will link with the Dubbo Base Hospital Redevelopment Stage 4 Clinical Services Building at the first floor.
The Western Cancer Centre project will support more than 100 jobs during construction and create in excess of 60 ongoing jobs.
The Australian Government has committed $25 million to the project, with the NSW Government committing the remaining $10 million. The project is scheduled for completion in 2021.