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, marking a significant step forward in medical innovation and patient support.
The centre will bring together cutting-edge research, advanced clinical trials, and high-quality patient care under one roof. This model has already proven successful in other major Australian cities, such as the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Sydney and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne. These facilities serve as benchmarks for integrating research, treatment, and education into a seamless healthcare experience.
Once completed, the Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre will offer a wide range of services, including:
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Expanded clinical trial beds
- A Cancer Care Coordination Centre (CCCC) that provides care coordination, patient navigation, and information services
Professor Peter Leedman, CEO of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, highlighted the transformative potential of the centre. He stated:
“Around the world, comprehensive cancer centres that truly integrate cutting-edge research with patient care are life-changing for so many people. The difference between a truly comprehensive cancer centre, like the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Victoria, and existing cancer services in WA, stems from deep integration of world-leading medical research and clinical trials into the treatment and care provided to patients.”
Research has shown that collaboration between scientists and clinicians leads to better patient outcomes and a more coordinated approach to cancer care.
In Western Australia, one in three people will die from cancer, and over 14,000 cases are diagnosed each year. The new centre aims to address these challenges by providing advanced medical technology, research, and support services right here in the state.
Premier Roger Cook announced the state government’s backing of the Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre on Saturday, ahead of next week’s budget. He emphasized the importance of the project in transforming care and support for those facing cancer.
“Most Western Australians have experienced the hard road that is cancer treatment – either themselves or a loved one,” he said. “Our backing of the Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre is about ensuring that when a family faces their toughest fight, they have the very best medical technology, research, and support services right here at home.”
The investment aligns with the Cook Labor Government’s broader plan to boost the Building Hospitals Fund by $500 million to $2 billion in the 2026-27 Budget. This is part of a $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 Institute, expressed his commitment to the project. He said:
“This centre will help deliver better research outcomes targeted at finding cures and better treatments – while at the same time improving the care of people fighting cancer. We take our responsibility for developing the Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre very seriously and are honoured to be entrusted by both the WA State and Federal Governments to deliver this transformational project.”
Key Features of the New Facility
The centre will include:
- 90 multi-day beds, plus expansion for a further 30 beds
- 40 same-day beds and chairs, including chemotherapy and haematology
- Up to eight intensive care/high dependency beds
Outpatient services will feature:
- 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 will include:
- Expanded clinical trial beds, in addition to the 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
The Cancer Care Coordination Centre (CCCC) will provide:
- Care coordination, patient navigation, and patient information services
- Virtual health services to support regional, remote, and Aboriginal patients living with cancer
- Collaboration with the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Command Centre
