Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said the project would relocate Echuca Regional Health’s existing chemotherapy and haemodialysis unit to a new and more convenient location on Service St.
“This new cancer and wellness centre will ensure local families in Echuca get the very best cancer treatment they need,” she said.
ERH chief executive Nick Bush said he was delighted to see the centre move to the design stage.
“We appreciate the support of the Victorian Government to fund a cancer centre for Echuca,” he said.
“It is a very exciting time to see the project progressing, the purpose-built facility will give patients the best care in a wonderful new facility based in our community.”
The project will deliver 10 new chemotherapy and haemodialysis treatment chairs and enable staff to treat and support patients with specialist programs to help improve their health and wellbeing.
The new facility will improve access to consultations from haematologists, medical oncologists, nephrologists and radiation oncologists for more than 1200 patients a year and provide a better working environment for the doctors, nurses and other hospital staff.
State Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp welcomed the announcement.
“Local community members fighting the battle against cancer will be able to get the world-class treatment they need close to home, without having to travel long distances,” he said.
“We’re backing regional doctors and nurses by giving them the facilities and equipment they need to do what they do best and save lives.”
Flexible spaces at the centre, including multi-purpose interview, education and consulting rooms, will increase privacy for patients and allow families and carers to interact with clinical teams and other support workers under one roof.
The project is being delivered in partnership with ERH and is expected to create about 20 construction jobs.
Work to find a suitable builder will begin later this year, with construction expected to start early next year and be completed in 2022.
It’s part of the government’s $7 billion pipeline of health infrastructure — the largest building program in the state’s history.
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