GenesisCare and St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee announce development of new cancer care centre in fast-growing western Melbourne
Werribee, Melbourne – Construction has begun at a new radiation therapy centre that will become part of the most comprehensive oncology service available in Melbourne’s western region once opened.
Delivered in partnership by leading cancer care provider GenesisCare and St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Werribee, the new radiation therapy centre is expected to be completed in mid-2026.
GenesisCare’s personalised and evidence-based approach to radiation therapy will add to St Vincent’s Private Hospital’s existing cancer therapy services including surgery and medical oncology to offer seamless and convenient care closer to the homes of patients in Melbourne’s west.
The latest Victorian Cancer Register shows that 38,715 Victorians were diagnosed with cancer in 2023, an average of 106 people diagnosed every day.1 Modelling suggests that almost half of Australians (48.3%) diagnosed with cancer would benefit from radiation therapy.2
St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Werribee General Manager and Director of Clinical Services, Emma Saliba said: “We’re pleased to launch this project with GenesisCare at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Werribee, where we aim to offer better and fairer care for patients across the western area of Melbourne.
“The addition of radiation therapy at our hospital will strengthen our cancer care offering for local patients, making it one of the most comprehensive oncology services in Melbourne’s western region.”
(L-R): GenesisCare General Manager Victoria Brendan Foley, Regional Chief Executive Officer St Vincent's Private Hospitals Janine Loader, Wyndham City Council Clr Susan McIntyre.
Earlier this year, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee opened its newly refurbished Day Infusion Centre, further strengthening cancer services in the region. With around 170 admissions each month, it delivers vital treatment services without the added stress of travelling into the city.
GenesisCare Radiation Oncologist, Dr Michael Guiney, said: “GenesisCare is proud to collaborate with St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee to bring high-quality, evidence-based radiation therapy closer to home for the Wyndham community.
“Once the centre is open, a cancer patient from Werribee or the western region seeking radiation therapy will no longer need to travel more than 20 kilometres to the nearest treatment centre and could save an average of 15 hours of travel time during the course of their treatment.
“The availability of cancer care close to home can be crucial for patients. We know that long commutes can deter some patients from seeking or following through with care.3
This new centre will have capacity to provide care to more than 500 local cancer patients, increasing their healthcare options and offering access to GenesisCare’s clinical excellence and compassionate patient-focused care,” said Dr Guiney.
The new service will help to meet the current and future demand for radiation therapy in Werribee, located in Wyndham, one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities.
Healthcare is one of the top three highest growth sectors in Wyndam for employment, and more than 20 highly skilled jobs will be created as part of this new service.
GenesisCare’s new service in Werribee builds on GenesisCare’s successful arrangements with St Vincent’s Hospitals in Fitzroy and in New South Wales, and long-standing relationships with doctors in the region.
Media contact information
Contact our media team directly for futher information:
- Cancer Council Victoria, & Victorian State Government. (2024). Cancer in Victoria: Victorian Cancer Registry, 2023 report. Cancer Council Victoria. Retrieved December 13, 2024, from https://www.cancervic.org.au/downloads/cec/cancer-in-vic/Cancer%20in%20Victoria%202023.pdf
- Wong, K., Delaney, G. P., & Barton, M. B. (2016). Evidence-based optimal number of radiotherapy fractions for cancer: a useful tool to estimate radiotherapy demand. Radiotherapy and Oncology, 119(1), 145-149.
- Ambroggi, M., Biasini, C., Del Giovane, C., Fornari, F., & Cavanna, L. (2015). Distance as a barrier to cancer diagnosis and treatment: review of the literature. The oncologist, 20(12), 1378-1385.
(L-R): GenesisCare General Manager Victoria Brendan Foley, St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Werribee General Manager and Director of Clinical Services, Emma Saliba, GenesisCare Radiation Oncologist, Dr Michael Guiney, Wyndham City Council Clr Susan McIntyre, GenesisCare Head of Site Development Charles Wheeler.
Once the centre is open, a cancer patient from Werribee [...] could save an average of 15 hours of travel time during the course of their treatment.
- Dr Michael Guiney, Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare
