A New Era of Cancer Care in Western Australia
Western Australia is set to revolutionise the way cancer patients receive treatment and care with the announcement of a state-of-the-art comprehensive cancer centre. This new facility, known as the Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre, will be built at the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre in Nedlands. The news was shared recently, highlighting the potential for world-leading research and treatment options to be available locally, similar to facilities such as the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Sydney and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.
Once completed, the Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre will offer a wide range of services, including inpatient and outpatient care, research, and education. It will also feature expanded clinical trial beds and a Cancer Care Coordination Centre (CCCC), which will provide essential support through care coordination, patient navigation, and information services.
Professor Peter Leedman, CEO of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, expressed his enthusiasm about the project, stating that it will transform the delivery of cancer research and care throughout the state. He noted that comprehensive cancer centres around the world integrate cutting-edge research with patient care, leading to improved outcomes and a more coordinated approach to treatment.
In Western Australia, one in three people will die from cancer, and over 14,000 cases are diagnosed each year. Premier Roger Cook announced the state government’s support for the centre, emphasizing its importance in providing the best medical technology, research, and support services to those facing cancer.
“This project cements Western Australia’s reputation as a global leader in medical research and innovation,” said the Premier. “It will attract the world’s brightest clinical minds while creating hundreds of local jobs during construction and beyond.”
The investment aligns with the Cook Labor Government’s plan to boost the Building Hospitals Fund by $500 million, bringing the total to $2 billion in the 2026-27 Budget. This is part of a larger $5.5 billion hospital construction program over the next four years.
Planning for the Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre will begin following a masterplan for the QEII Medical Precinct, which will guide future projects at the Nedlands Health Hub.
Ben Morton, Chair of the Perkins, highlighted the centre’s focus on improving the lives of cancer patients. “This centre will help deliver better research outcomes targeted at finding cures and better treatments,” he said. “We take our responsibility very seriously and are honoured to be entrusted by both the WA State and Federal Governments to deliver this transformational project.”
Facilities and Services
The Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre will include:
- Inpatient Services:
- 90 multi-day beds, with an option to expand by 30 more
- 40 same-day beds and chairs, including chemotherapy and haematology
Up to eight intensive care/high dependency beds
Outpatient Services:
- 36 ambulatory care/specialist clinics
- Space for two radiation oncology bunkers
- Four operating theatres, with space for two more
- Two procedure rooms
Seven imaging services, including CT, MRI, and PET
Research and Education Services:
- Expanded clinical trial beds, in addition to existing six beds and 18 chairs in Linear Clinical Research at QEII Medical Centre
- A variety of wet laboratory and dry research spaces
- Function-specific embedded research units
A cancer tissue biobank
Cancer Care Coordination Centre (CCCC):
- Provides care coordination, patient navigation, and patient information services
- Offers virtual health services to support regional, remote, and Aboriginal patients
- Collaborates with the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Command Centre
