$5.3m health facilities opened in Geraldton

A multi-million dollar cancer centre and renal centre was officially opened in Geraldton this morning.

The Federal Government funded construction of the $4.1 million Midwest Cancer Centre and the $1.2 million Gaburdiny Renal Centre, while the State Government funds their operation.

The cancer centre has six chemotherapy treatment chairs and one patient bed, as well as facilities for use by breast cancer nurses.

It also includes a hostel for patients and families with seven double bedrooms.

Patients began receiving treatment in the new renal facilities in September this year, with services in the new cancer centre starting last month.

Local contractor Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets Pty Ltd built both centres, employing about 160 tradespeople, with 20 apprentices and six school-based trainees.

State Health Minister John Day, who officially opened the centres, said they reflected the State Government’s policy of bringing advanced health care as close to home as possible, increasing convenience and efficiency.

He said construction of a Midwest Cancer Hostel was also due to start soon, with completion scheduled for late 2017.

Federal member for Durack Melissa Price said the facilities would provide an important service with the number of cancer cases rising due to an ageing population.

Federal Minister for Health Sussann Ley said better health services in regional areas were a government priority.