News room – What’s been happening

Langwarrin, Victoria, Tuesday 19 November: Today, cancer care provider GenesisCare and Ramsay Health Care are officially opening a new radiation therapy service at Peninsula Private Hospital in Langwarrin.

GenesisCare, one of Australia’s largest cancer care providers and a specialist in radiation therapy, is now welcoming patients to its new facility on the Mornington Peninsula.

The latest census data shows that the Mornington Peninsula has a higher number of cancer cases than the Victorian average, as well as an ageing population1^, a demographic group that can experience cancer at higher rates. The local population is also expected to grow in the coming decade², generating further need for high-quality specialist cancer services in Victoria’s south-east.

Austin Wills, CEO of Peninsula Private Hospital, a comprehensive private health facility part of Ramsay Health Care, said that the incorporation of a radiation therapy centre will further enhance the service offering available for local patients: “We’re pleased to welcome the team from GenesisCare to Peninsula Private Hospital, expanding the comprehensive services we provide. The addition of radiation therapy alongside our existing portfolio of diagnostic imaging and pathology, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, inpatient care, allied health services, and surgery will further simplify the care process for our patients who can now access all of these services in the same location.”

Dr Mario Guerrieri, Radiation Oncologist at GenesisCare, said: “Personalising treatment for cancer patients is at the heart of our approach at GenesisCare. In addition to providing the latest evidence-based techniques in radiation therapy with committed doctors and teams, we aim to listen to the patient’s needs and accommodate their requests as best we can. That’s why we are so pleased to offer a clinical nurse consultant who will be dedicated to assisting patients to navigate their cancer care. Treatment schedules can require coordination of various aspects of care and wellbeing support, and our nurse will be an ongoing point of contact and provide a comprehensive patient handover between services.”

Brendan Foley, General Manager at GenesisCare Victoria, said: “GenesisCare is proud to open its 10th cancer care centre in Victoria, with the aim of offering a more holistic service for cancer patients. Our experienced doctors will be building upon their established relationships with specialists within the hospital network. Our oncologists have been treating local patients for many years and understand the local area well,” said Mr Foley.

Paul Mercurio MP, State Member for Hastings, said: “I am pleased to see more options for cancer care grow in the South East of Melbourne and providing services for people living in the bayside suburbs of Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. Undergoing cancer treatment can be stressful, so it’s great to see this healthcare partnership aiming to create more convenience for patients.”

The new $8 million radiation therapy centre includes a purpose-built bunker insulated by 400 cubic metres of concrete weighing more than 1000 tonnes and is conveniently located next to the hospital’s cancer care services; Acacia inpatient oncology ward, day infusion centre, and clinical trials unit.

GenesisCare’s new service at Peninsula Private Hospital builds on GenesisCare’s successful arrangements with Ramsay at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital (NSW), Hollywood Private Hospital (WA), and John Flynn Private Hospital (Qld), and co-location at centres including the North Shore Health Hub (NSW).