Catholic Life Publication of the Diocese of Sale
Free
ISSUE 188
June 2015
Berwick oncology centre BERWICK - The St John of God Berwick Day Oncology Centre held its official opening blessing ceremony on May 19. Bishop Pat O’Regan blessed and commissioned the oncology centre which is providing vital cancer care for patients in the western end of Sale Diocese. Other guests including State Member for Gembrook Brad Battin, Federal Member for Latrobe Jason Wood, Casey Mayor Cr Mick Moreland and Cardinia Mayor Cr Leticia Wilmont as well as staff, volunteers and patients. St John of God Berwick Hospital chief executive officer Lisa Norman said “We are honored that Bishop O’Regan could lead the blessing ceremony and mark this significant occasion in bringing healthcare closer to home, for people undergoing cancer treatment.” With 12 treatment spaces in the oncology centre and other cancer support services including radiotherapy, medical imaging, pharmacy and pathology on site, the centre provides an integrated cancer service that Ms Norman said was rarely found outside the centre of Melbourne. “The collaboration between our hospital and other leading health care providers like St John of God Pathology, Radiation Oncology Victoria, MIA Radiology and HPS Pharmacy increases the capacity of the service and offers a unique model of integrated cancer care.” She said demand for cancer services in the area had increased significantly in recent years and cancer survival was improved by offering services that allowed early diagnosis and improved access to treatment. The new oncology centre had been designed to be a calming and tranquil place for patients undergoing cancer treatment, with large windows offering natural light and views of Berwick and surrounding areas.
“We hope this environment is a place where family members feel comfortable to come and spend time with their loved ones during treatment. It also includes a wellness centre that offers patients and carers a comfortable, home like space to relax before or after treatment.” The centre is part of the new specialist centre at 55 Kangan Drive, Berwick, which is owned by Generation Healthcare REIT (GHC) a long term owner of healthcare property with a proven track record in constructing healthcare facilities across Australia. The centre was constructed by Hansen Yunken and designed by Silver Thomas Hanley Architects, was custom built with the needs and comfort of patients in mind. In April, St John of God Berwick Hospital and Generation Healthcare announced they have reached agreement to build a $120 million hospital development on Kangan Drive. (See story P5). All existing services provided by St John of God Berwick Hospital historic Gibb St. site will be relocated to the new hospital. St John of God Healthcare is Australia’s third largest provider of private hospital services, including seven hospitals throughout Victoria. In addition to Berwick the south east region of Melbourne hospitals include Pinelodge Clinic in Dandenong and Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital. The specialist centre in Berwick’s growing healthcare precinct opened in March. Tenants of the four level centre include St John of God Berwick Hospital, St John of God Pathology, ROV, MIA Radiology and HPS Pharmacy St John of God Health Care operates 18 facilities comprising 2571 beds in Australia and New Zealand, as well as pathology, home nursing, disability services and social outreach programs.
Trinity FAMILIES
A PATIENT receives treatment in the modern oncology centre at Berwick.
BISHOP Pat O’Regan, assisted by Fr Jeff Kleynjans, annoints the hands of St John of God staff during the blessing ceremony.
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