A radiation therapy centre that can treat 500 patients each year has officially opened.
The $12 million facility, by GenesisCare, offers the first extensive radiation treatment service in the Noosa Shire.
It boasts modern radiation therapy for most adult cancer types, access to clinical trials for eligible patients, and allied health services including counselling, nutrition and dietetics, and physiotherapy.
The new service will save the average Noosa cancer patient from travelling an estimated 2000km over the course of treatment and is located 500m from the Noosa Hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care.
GenesisCare radiation oncologist Dr Debra Furniss said it would make a significant difference to local cancer patients.
“GenesisCare is pleased to begin welcoming cancer patients into the first comprehensive radiation therapy centre in Noosa and build on three decades of experience on the Sunshine Coast,” she said.
“The availability of local services like ours can minimise the burden of travel on patients during what can be a challenging time.
“In addition to our dedicated medical professionals, we’re pleased to also have a GenesisCare breast cancer nurse, who will offer specialised care and support to breast cancer patients from diagnosis, throughout treatment, and onwards.
“Eligible patients can also access a clinical trial focusing on precision medicine in cancer care.”
GenesisCare’s Noosa service will be supported by experienced radiation oncologists including Dr Furniss and Dr Bradley Wong, who are well-established in the local healthcare network of the Sunshine Coast, and Dr David Schlect, a doctor involved in the delivery of modern radiation therapy techniques for more than 30 years.
Laine Harry, a former cancer patient from Tewantin, said the new centre would benefit the local community.
“I primarily travelled to Nambour to have treatment, which is more than an hour of travelling there and back each day,” he said.
“This was more than 1000km over the course of my treatment.
“Every day, I hear about someone locally who is going through cancer, and this new centre will make things easier for them.”
State MP for Noosa Sandy Bolton welcomed the facility.
“It is wonderful to see this project come to fruition, which will integrate with existing radiology services,” she said.
“In addition, this facility will work in collaboration with the Noosa Hospital across surgery, medical oncology, and haematology.”
Noosa mayor Frank Wilkie said the centre would ease the burden on locals.
“It’s wonderful to see more healthcare and access to important services in the Noosa Shire, especially cancer care options that minimise the need for patients to travel and bring treatment and technology directly to our doorstep,” he said.
GenesisCare is in the Noosa Medical and Professional Centre at 90 Goodchap Street, Noosaville.
Additional patient services available at the same location include Noosa Radiology and Breast Screen Queensland.
Noosa Radiology managing radiologist Dr Drew McMenamin welcomed the service.
“The team at Noosa Radiology welcomes the opening of GenesisCare Noosa and is excited about how this new centre aims to improve cancer care for local patients,” he said.
“As one of the largest radiology clinics in the area, we help diagnose and treat multiple cancer patients and see the impact travelling for treatment can have on local patients.
“Being able to work with GenesisCare to offer a range of services within the same location closer to patients’ homes is a huge benefit.”
Doctors, politicians, and community members gathered at the purpose-built 750sqm centre, developed by Dexus in partnership with GenesisCare and constructed by Erilyan, for the official opening.
Erilyan joint CEO and founding partner Karl Mayoh said it was rewarding to see the building opened and said many locals were involved in its construction.
“We’re thrilled to announce the completion of GenesisCare Noosa, a project marked by local engagement, efficient construction, and unwavering commitment to safety,” he said.
“We’re proud to have 94 per cent of subcontractors from the Noosa and Sunshine Coast areas who have contributed to the 22500 worker-hours worked to deliver this project ahead of schedule.
“I would like to thank all the local subcontractors for their energy and professionalism in delivering this much needed facility to the community.”
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