New cancer treatment centre to open in Shepparton by end of 2019

The centre will help local patients access radiation therapy treatment within Greater Shepparton for the first time, with capacity to treat more than 400 patients a year.

Currently, patients need to travel to Melbourne, Albury-Wodonga or Bendigo for the treatment.

The News reported in November 2017, on GenesisCare’s plans and the announcement of a $6.95million Federal Government grant to fund a key piece of treatment equipment for the centre.

The advanced linear accelerator machine was funded through a contribution from the government’s Radiation Oncology Health Program Grants.

Federal Member for Murray Damian Drum welcomed the news the centre would be operational by the end of the year.

‘‘A local radiation therapy service to complement the excellent care already provided locally has been in demand for a very long time,’’ he said.

‘‘I welcome this new centre, which will soon mean that cancer patients in the Goulburn Valley region can receive an extended range of cancer care closer to home.’’

GenesisCare radiation oncologist Craig MacLeod has been consulting in Shepparton for the past 18 years, with patients travelling to Albury-Wodonga for treatment.

‘‘I can see that the current long-distance travel for treatment takes its toll on patients, who are already going through a very challenging time in their lives,’’ Dr MacLeod said.

‘‘A local centre will mean patients can more easily continue with their normal routines, staying connected to their support networks and in many cases continuing to work in the area.’’

GenesisCare’s Victorian oncology general manager, Shane Ryan, said details about the funding model and the potential cost to public health system patients were still being worked through.

‘‘We’re in active discussions with the government about how we can make it easier for local cancer patients in the public health system to access these services once the centre is up and running,’’ he said.

GenesisCare said the centre would offer the latest in radiation oncology treatment technology, and would offer rapid access to treatment for patients in palliative care.

‘‘As we move towards establishing the centre, we look forward to continually working with local health service providers and government departments so cancer patients in the community have seamless, rapid access to the right care at the right time,’’ Mr Ryan said.

GenesisCare said the new centre was expected to create up to 20 jobs within the community and local suppliers would be supported where possible throughout the build.