Hawke’s Bay patients will soon be able to access radiation treatment closer to home, with today’s sod-turn marking the start of construction on the new Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre.
Health Minister, Simeon Brown said the start of construction is a major milestone in improving access to cancer care for people in the region.
“Currently, Hawke’s Bay patients requiring radiation treatment must travel to Palmerston North, making return journeys of more than four hours while undergoing some of the most challenging treatment of their lives,” he said.
“Once complete, the new cancer centre will allow most patients to receive radiation treatment closer to home, closer to their families, and closer to their support networks.”
Around 500 patients each year are expected to benefit from receiving radiation treatment locally, significantly reducing the emotional, financial, and logistical burden of travelling for care.
The new centre will provide Hawke’s Bay’s first local radiation treatment service and form a key part of the wider redevelopment of Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.
The Government is also investing a further $7.6 million to complete Stage Two of the project, in addition to the $37.2 million announced last year for Stage One, bringing total investment to $44.8 million.
“Funding the full build now means we can deliver the complete cancer centre sooner, avoid unnecessary delays and duplication, and ensure patients benefit from improved access to care as quickly as possible,” said Mr Brown.
“At the heart of the centre will be Hawke’s Bay’s first Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine, enabling radiation treatment to be delivered locally for the first time. This advanced technology precisely targets cancer cells while minimising damage to healthy tissue, improving both treatment outcomes and patient comfort.”
Stage One includes construction of the LINAC facility, featuring two treatment bunkers and associated clinical spaces to meet current demand and support future growth. The second bunker will provide capacity for an additional LINAC as demand increases.
Stage Two will complete the wider cancer centre, including modern medical oncology and haematology services.
Workforce planning is already underway to support the new service.
