Upgrade on hold while study into radiation treatment continues

Member for Mount Gambier welcomes decision to delay tender process

Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has welcomed the decision that the proposed Cancer Care Centre upgrades for Mount Gambier and the surrounding region will not be tendered until the feasibility study for radiation therapy services in the region is complete.

While the study is underway, the State Government and Local Health Network will not sign any contracts to start construction on the Cancer Care Centre upgrades. Design works will continue on the cancer upgrades.

The feasibility study for radiation therapy services in Mount Gambier is set to go to tender in coming weeks.

The study will be undertaken by an independent consultant and will engage with a wide range of health and community stakeholders, including the Radiation Treatment Limestone Coast Working Party as well as experts in radiation oncology.

“I welcome the announcement that the Cancer Care Centre is now on hold allowing for consultation to take place to ensure that the best service for the treatment of cancer in the Limestone Coast can be delivered,” Mr Bell (pictured) said. “The Radiation Treatment Limestone Coast Working Party is to be commended for its hard work to date in advocating for radiation treatment to be established in Mount Gambier.”

South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton also welcomed the new approach. “Working with the local Limestone Coast Local Health Network Board, it makes sense to not complete the tendering process for the Mount Gambier Cancer Care Centre until the feasibility study is complete,” Minister Picton said.

The procurement panel will include community representatives to make sure their views are reflected.