Construction begins on $6 million world-class comprehensive cancer centre in Maitland

Maitland, New South Wales – Local cancer patients in Maitland will soon have access to cutting-edge radiation therapy treatments, medical oncology and clinical trials all under the one roof, with construction beginning on GenesisCare’s world-class comprehensive cancer centre.

Previously, patients had to travel to Newcastle to undergo radiation therapy and chemotherapy, adding to the already significant emotional and physical toll of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

A ‘one-stop shop’ for cancer care, GenesisCare Maitland will offer patients access to a multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, and allied health specialists.

The new facility will have the capacity to deliver 14,000 treatments to 800 patients a year, opening its doors to patients in mid-2021. The facility will be located adjacent to the new Maitland Hospital, which is expected to open in mid-2022.

An estimated 929,000 people live across the Hunter New England Local Health District, with the majority living in the regional centres of the Greater Newcastle and Lower Hunter regions. Recent reports estimate the incidence of all new cancer cases across the HNE LHD as 680 per 100,000 persons, with this figure increasing by 2.2% annually.¹

Maitland Mayor, Cr Loretta Baker, said: “This new cancer facility is fantastic news for our local Maitland community and is a welcome addition to the new Maitland Hospital which is also currently under construction.”

“I commend GenesisCare for their commitment to bringing high quality multidisciplinary cancer care to our fantastic region and look forward to following the progress and official opening over the next year.”

GenesisCare’s General Manager of Oncology, NSW, Dr Kathy Kociuba said: “At GenesisCare, we are steadfastly committed to ensuring all patients receive rapid access to the highest quality of care, regardless of whether they live in metropolitan Sydney or regional NSW.”

“In the next decade, areas such as Maitland will face mounting pressure from urban sprawl and an ageing population. Therefore, it is imperative that we invest in the right healthcare infrastructure to ensure the local community needs here in Maitland are met now and into the future,” said Dr Kathy Kociuba.

For approximately 50 per cent of all cancer patients, radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment pathway, used with curative intent, and in pain and symptom management. GenesisCare Maitland will offer patients rapid access to state-of-the-art radiation therapy techniques and technology, including stereotactic body ablative therapy (SBRT), tattoo free radiation therapy, deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH), and rapid access for palliative care.

GenesisCare Radiation Oncologist and Newcastle Site Director, Dr Mike Fay, who has been working in the local area for over five years, said he was looking forward to working with his medical oncologist colleagues at the new comprehensive cancer facility.

“It is well documented that a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care leads to improved patient outcomes and offering all the services under one roof, will minimise the burden on patients and their families,” said Dr Mike Fay.