Incoming radiation oncology operator Icon Group will continue to invest in the South West Regional Cancer Centre’s technology and staff its chief has revealed.
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Icon Group chief executive officer Mark Middleton visited the centre (SWRCC) on Monday to meet with staff and Peter’s Project representatives.
The Standard announced last Monday that Epworth HealthCare would no longer provide the radiation oncology service and operations would be transferred to Icon Group at the end of the year.
Mr Middleton said he knows how valued the service was. “We want to continue to deliver great patient services and continue to grow the service,” he said. “That includes investing in the technology and innovation.
“Patient numbers are only going to grow, that’s the sad fact of cancer incidence in Australia and we need to make sure we’re able and capable to deliver more services in regional areas.”
Mr Middleton said Icon would work with South West Healthcare and referring doctors to deliver quality patient care in the region.
He said the group was ready to invest in a second machine whenever it was required and there would be employment opportunities as the centre grew. Existing staff will be retained and will have access to training and education opportunities.
“Epworth has done a tremendous job here. Obviously the community has done a wonderful, wonderful job here to establish this service.
“We take that very seriously in terms of responsibility and we want to take it forward and continue to make this a great example of how regional cancer care can be delivered really well.”
He said The Epworth Foundation would continue to fund the existing supportive services and survivorship program at the Warrnambool centre for the next four years, which Icon would match.
