Integrated cancer centre and research hub opens doors to patients in NSW

New South Wales, AUSTRALIA – A new integrated cancer care centre in Sydney’s lower North Shore has marked its official opening at a plaque unveiling ceremony today. The state-of-the-art centre offers patients access to radiation oncology, medical oncology, day surgery, diagnostics, theranostics, cardio oncology and a clinical trials unit, all under the one roof.

The new service opens at a critical time as NSW emerges from its recent COVID-19 outbreak, with leading oncology specialists urging patients not to delay screening tests or see their doctor about concerning symptoms.

According to a recent article published in Medical Journal of Australia Insight+, there is an urgent need for new integrated models of care to address more complex cancer cases due to the impact of ongoing national lockdowns.1

Co-author of the article, Professor Nick Pavlakis, Medical Oncologist at both GenesisCare and North Shore Private Hospital and Site Director at the new centre, said: “Patients presenting with later-stage disease often require more treatment than early-stage disease, so it is critical patients don’t delay diagnosis or treatment. Research shows a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to complex cancer cases is critical for optimising patient outcomes.”

The new integrated cancer centre utilises a subspeciality multidisciplinary model, incorporating leading surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists for each tumour stream, all connected through a cancer nurse coordinator.

The centre is located in Dexus’ North Shore Health Hub, adjacent to North Shore Private Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital, and will complement the existing cancer surgical and medical oncology services provided on campus.

The campus boasts the lowest cancer mortality rates in NSW and is one of the highest recruiters of clinical trials across Australia.2

Dr Dasantha Jayamanne, GenesisCare Radiation Oncologist and Site Director at the new centre said: “Our integrated approach to cancer care will provide local patients access to seamless, personalised care, ensuring they feel supported throughout all stages of their treatment journey.”

“The new centre also prioritises research and clinical trials, providing patients with increased access to leading global clinical trials, precision medicine techniques and novel therapies,” said Dr Jayamanne.

Chief Executive Officer of North Shore Private Hospital, Richard Ryan, said the new $11 million day surgery unit is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and is designed to provide patient care in a luxurious, patient-centered setting.

“These new facilities enhance the patient experience and complement the outstanding care provided by our North Shore Private Hospital team,” Mr Ryan said.

“The new day surgery unit also houses our expanded endoscopy services, with treatments provided by gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons and urologists.”

“Our hospital staff and medical specialists have been really enjoying providing patient care from these new facilities,” he said.

General Manager, GenesisCare Oncology NSW, Fergus Rourke said: “For the first time, patients will have access to an integrated private cancer centre on the North Shore health campus, led by oncologists and other specialists from North Shore Private Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital.”

“The advanced service is expected to draw patients from across Australia and medical tourists from abroad seeking access to the latest therapies and trials,” said Mr Rourke.

Chief Executive Officer of Dexus, Darren Steinberg, said: “The North Shore Health Hub sets a new benchmark in innovative healthcare facilities, catering to the requirements of patients, practitioners and operators alike. The new GenesisCare integrated cancer centre provides key infrastructure that will facilitate the growing demand for integration between public and private healthcare services.”