$44.6-million cancer center rises in Australia

By Eden Estopace | Nov 4, 2011

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Construction begins for the $44.6-million Capital Region Cancer Center in Australia, which is part of the national health reforms rolled out by the government this year.

An Australian government report said the new center will have 5,000 square meters of floor space across five levels and will expand services currently provided by the Canberra Hospital to patients in the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding regions of New South Wales.

"The total value of the Capital Region Cancer Center is $44.6 million, with the Gillard government contributing $27.9 million and the ACT Government contributing $16.7 million. The Gillard government has also provided a further $1.8 million to the ACT to provide specialist accommodation in the Canberra suburb of Duffy for patients using the Cancer Center," the report said.

Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said the Australian and ACT governments are working together to deliver better health services where they are needed most. The Capital Region Cancer Center was one component of a $560 million program to improve access to cancer services and support in regional areas of Australia, and is part of a $2 billion Australian government initiative to build a world-class cancer care system.

“Reducing people’s chance of getting cancer, and treating it earlier and more effectively, are key priorities for the Gillard government through national health reform,” Minister Roxon said.

The hospital is expected to be completed in late 2013.