Werribee, Melbourne – A significant advancement in cancer treatment is underway as construction begins on a new radiation therapy centre in Werribee. This facility, a collaboration between GenesisCare and St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Werribee, is set to become a cornerstone of comprehensive oncology services in Melbourne’s western region upon its completion in mid-2026.
The new centre will enhance the existing cancer care offerings at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, which already includes surgery and medical oncology. By incorporating GenesisCare’s personalized and evidence-based approach to radiation therapy, the partnership aims to deliver seamless and convenient care closer to home for patients in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Addressing a Growing Need
According to the latest Victorian Cancer Register, 38,715 Victorians were diagnosed with cancer in 2023, equating to an average of 106 new cases each day. Almost half of Australians diagnosed with cancer (48.3%) could benefit from radiation therapy, highlighting the critical need for accessible treatment options.
Emma Saliba, General Manager and Director of Clinical Services at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Werribee, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “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.”
Enhancing Local Healthcare Infrastructure
This development follows the recent opening of St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee’s newly refurbished Day Infusion Centre. With approximately 170 admissions each month, the centre provides essential treatment services, alleviating the need for patients to travel into the city.
Dr. Michael Guiney, a Radiation Oncologist with GenesisCare, highlighted the importance of local access to care: “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.” – Dr. Michael Guiney
Economic and Social Impact
The new centre is poised to serve over 500 local cancer patients, significantly expanding healthcare options and providing access to GenesisCare’s renowned clinical excellence. The service will also address the current and future demand for radiation therapy in Werribee, located in Wyndham, one of Australia’s fastest-growing municipalities.
Healthcare is among the top three growth sectors for employment in Wyndham, and the new centre will create more than 20 highly skilled jobs. This initiative builds on GenesisCare’s successful partnerships with St Vincent’s Hospitals in Fitzroy and New South Wales, as well as its long-standing relationships with regional doctors.
As the population in Melbourne’s west continues to grow, the expansion of cancer care services is not only a response to current healthcare needs but also a proactive measure to ensure future demands are met. The collaboration between GenesisCare and St Vincent’s Private Hospital represents a significant step forward in providing equitable healthcare access, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Looking ahead, the completion of the radiation therapy centre in Werribee will mark a pivotal moment for cancer care in the region, offering a model for other communities aiming to enhance their healthcare infrastructure.
