Wheatbelt residents will soon have access to cancer care, closer to home, with the opening of a new Icon Cancer Centre at the Midland Railway Workshop.
The cancer centre, located across the road from the St John of God Midland Public Hospital and co-located with a GP super clinic, combines a 15-chair day hospital, an onsite pharmacy and capacity for two radiation oncology machines.
Studies from the Australian Institute of Health reveal 41,500 people across Perth and 3,875 people in the wheatbelt region alone are currently living with cancer.
Icon Group chief executive officer Mark Middleton said the opening of the centre means significantly more people in the wheatbelt now have access to exceptional cancer care closer to home.
Previously, patients in these parts needed to travel long distances into Perth’s business district to access cancer treatment
- Icon Group chief executive officer Mark Middleton
“Previously, patients in these parts needed to travel long distances into Perth’s business district to access cancer treatment,” he said.
“This can be particularly stressful, placing an added burden on patients at an already trying and emotional time.”
“We are committed to easing the burden of travel and improving access to exceptional cancer care services closer to where people live.
“The new Midland cancer centre provides local patients in and around the area with access to the latest cutting-edge technology and targeted cancer treatments, all under the one roof – this is what local communities deserve.”
The centre will have capacity to deliver more than 12,000 chemotherapy or haematology treatments, and 18,000 radiation therapy treatments annually, with radiation oncology services delivered for both private and public patients.
Radiation Oncologist Janelle Heywood said the new centre will benefit local cancer patients.
“Comprehensive cancer care plays an important role in best practice cancer treatment.
“Having a single, unified team working cohesively to make sure every step of the patient journey is timely, seamless and exceptional can only benefit the patient.