Albany oncology service work to start in 2021 as WA Government calls for tenders

Construction of the region’s first radiation oncology service at the Albany Health Campus is expected to start next year.

The McGowan Government opened its forward works tender for the cancer treatment facility on Friday.

The works will prepare the hospital for the facility’s main construction phase.

In May, the completion of the project was delayed, after it was expected to be completed by early 2022.

The service is now expected to be operating in the second half of 2022.

The delays have drawn strong criticism from the Opposition and from Denmark woman Mary Williams, an advocate who was instrumental in securing funding for the service.

The preliminary works stage will prepare the cancer centre at the Albany Health Campus for the construction of a specialised radiation bunker known as a Linac Suite.

Vehicle access to the facility and an additional 67 parking bays will also be completed as part of this phase.

Health Minister Roger Cook said he was pleased to see the project reach another milestone.

“It’s absolutely vital we get this preliminary step right to protect patients, visitors and staff from potential radiation exposure and ensure the longevity of this multimillion-dollar equipment,” he said.

“This is a significant investment by the taxpayer, so it’s important we don’t cut corners and take the time to make sure the service is safe and fit for purpose.

“Radiation oncology treatment requires multiple attendances, so having this service locally means Great Southern cancer patients will be able to remain close to family, friends and broader support networks throughout their time of need.”