Main image: Murray Young with pancreatic nurse specialist Peter Tregenza in the new day oncology centre.
Epworth Geelong has doubled its cancer treatment capacity to meet the region’s growing population, with a significant redevelopment of the day oncology service.
The new day oncology centre forms part of Epworth HealthCare’s broader investment in Geelong, following recent expansions including two new operating theatres that significantly increased surgical capacity.
On average, the day oncology unit provides patients with 6,700 treatments per year and this has grown by around 28 per cent since 2022.
The redevelopment increases the number of chemotherapy chairs from 10 to 20 and introduces two additional treatment beds, allowing more patients to access care without travelling to Melbourne.
The new unit has been designed to create a holistic environment for patients, with calming interior, updated furniture and advanced equipment, with the previous oncology unit planned to transform into more inpatient beds.
Epworth Geelong Executive General Manager Scott Norman said the investment reflects the hospital’s long-term commitment to improving access to high-quality cancer services in the region.
“This redevelopment ensures we can keep pace with demand and continue providing patients with timely access to specialist oncology care close to home,” Mr Norman said.
“This means more patients can stay in the comfort of their own home and only come into hospital for the day to receive treatment. The new oncology department has also been designed to make having treatment as stress-free as possible for our patients.”
“This is part of Epworth’s broader growth strategy for Geelong, which includes expanding surgical, medical and critical care capacity across the hospital.”
Epworth Geelong medical oncologist Dr Adam Broad said demand for cancer care and treatment, sadly, continues to grow.
“This is the combined outcome of an alarming but inevitable ever-increasing incidence of cancer diagnoses in our society, and the positive consequences of modern-day cancer therapeutics delivering on the hope of advancing cancer control.” Dr Broad said.
“There are more people to see and treat, and more people needing treatment and care for longer and longer. It is wonderful we can rise to the challenge of this problem, and by doubling the capacity of our oncology unit we can help address the apprehension and anxiety that comes with delays or long waits for cancer care.”
Murray Young, 69, has been an Epworth Geelong patient since 2019 and currently visits the day oncology unit for chemotherapy around once a fortnight.
“When I visit for my treatment, the day oncology team laugh because I say it’s like a social outing for me,” Murray said.
“They are all such lovely people – I can’t speak more highly of the entire team.”
Murray has previously had nose, kidney and pancreatic cancer. When his pancreatic cancer returned, he says he wasn’t expected to live longer than six months.
“I’m still going – and they have been quality years, not just surviving,” he said. “I make sure I enjoy every day.”
