Construction is now underway on the new Victorian Melanoma and Clinical Trials Centre, as the Andrews Labor Government continues to put patients first.
The world-class $152 million centre will bring together specialist researchers, clinical care and cancer patient treatment facilities under one roof and will drive innovation in cancer research and provide comprehensive skin cancer care services.
Backed by $50 million from the Labor Government and located next to the Alfred Hospital on St Kilda Road, the new centre will be home to the Victorian Melanoma Service, Alfred Cancer Services, and the Australian Clinical Trials Centre. The Commonwealth Government has also provided $50 million towards the facility.
It will be known as the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre, named after philanthropist Paula Fox who has a personal connection to melanoma research and treatment.
Melanoma is one of the five most common cancers in Victoria, with an average of 3,000 people diagnosed every year.
The centre is a part of the Alfred Health’s greater ‘TrialHub’ program, connecting rural and regional Victorians to clinical trial opportunities.
The co-location of melanoma, oncology, clinical trials and research operations at the centre will support ongoing TrialHub initiatives, including clinical trials for melanoma.
The centre will have capacity for almost 300 patients per day across 25 clinic rooms and 49 chemotherapy treatment chairs, for patient screening, assessment and treatment.
Demolition at the site is complete making way for construction on the development to begin, with the hospital and research centre to be operational in 2024.
Victoria’s clinical trials contribute more than $300 million annually to the state’s economy.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“With a great partner in Canberra, we’ll deliver a world-class Melanoma Centre in St Kilda to prevent, detect and treat skin cancers – as we continue to put patients first.”
“This specialist centre will enhance cancer care and expand clinical trials, so every Victorian patient can get the care they need, close to home.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford
“Victoria is a global leader in medical research and this new centre will allow us to build on our capability and drive new breakthroughs to change the lives of those with skin cancer.”
Original content from VIC Health. Note: Content has been edited for style and length.
Nina Alvarez is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel. Her interests include writing, particularly about the healthcare sector and the many ways it can improve to further benefit people from all walks of life.
