A new $12 million radiation therapy centre in Noosa will be helping 500 patients each year following its official opening on Friday 19 July.
The new GenesisCare service saves the average Noosa cancer patient from travelling an estimated 2000kms over the course of radiation therapy treatment and is conveniently located just 500m from the Noosa Hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care.
At the opening, State Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton MP said, “I come from a family full of cancer; my parents, my siblings, my partner, and getting access to the lifesaving treatment is imperative.”
Laine Harry, a former cancer patient from Tewantin, said the new centre will 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,” she 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.”
Its first comprehensive radiation treatment service in the Noosa Shire with modern radiation therapy services for most adult cancer types, access to clinical trials for eligible patients, and allied health services including counselling, nutrition and dietetics, and physiotherapy.
Additional patient services available at the same spot include Noosa Radiology and Breast Screen Queensland.
GenesisCare Radiation Oncologist Dr Debra Furniss 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 highly experienced radiation oncologists including Dr Debra Furniss and Dr Bradley Wong who are both 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.
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien MP, also in attendance, said, “This is a very welcome investment in the health of the Noosa community, local access means faster access and that could help make a big difference in someone’s life.”
Noosa mayor Frank Wilkie said, “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.”
Dr Drew McMenamin, managing Radiologist at Noosa Radiology, said, “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.”
“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 750m² centre, developed by Dexus in partnership with GenesisCare and constructed by Erilyan.
Erilyan’s joint chief executive officer and founding partner Karl Mayoh said, “We’re thrilled to announce the completion of GenesisCare Noosa, a project marked by local engagement, efficient construction, and unwavering commitment to safety.”
“We’re proud to have 94 per cent of subcontractors from the Noosa and Sunshine Coast areas who have contributed to the 22,500 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.”
GenesisCare, Noosa, is situated at 90 Goodchap Street, Noosaville (Noosa Medical and Professional Centre): genesiscare.com/au/our-centres/noosa
