Designs for a new cancer research centre in Canberra have been unveiled, promising an integrated site to deliver treatment, research, supportive therapies and emotional support all in the one place.
Welcoming the designs, the Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith said the new Canberra Region Cancer Centre (CRCC) would deliver state-of-the-art clinical care to patients in the ACT and surrounding region.
Ms Stephen-Smith said the CRCC would bring together the knowledge and expertise of academics, clinicians, industry and health professionals in a collaborative, purpose-built facility.
“The cancer research centre will be an innovative hub for new research and knowledge translation to support cutting edge cancer treatment and strengthen the quality of care for our patients,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“The Centre will also help to attract and recruit specialist clinicians and academics, enabling access to specialist research through partnerships with organisations such as the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, ANU/John Curtin Medical School, University of Canberra and the Garvan Institute.”
She said the facility would integrate a research laboratory into a clinic space where patients were assessed for clinical trials, alongside the ability for sample collection to be coordinated with lab technicians to process samples or store them in appropriate cooling facilities.
Ms Stephen-Smith said the co-location of cancer clinical trials staff into the CRCC would encourage strong collaboration between clinicians and scientists.
“Most importantly, the project will allow the dedicated team to translate research-generated evidence into clinical practice and improve the quality of cancer research and treatment in the ACT,” the Minister said.
She said construction of the new CRCC was scheduled to begin later this year and be completed in late 2024.
