Story by RNZ
The budget for a "game-changing" Taranaki Cancer Centre has more than doubled to more than $56 million.
Construction of the state-of-the-art facility - originally set to cost $20.6m - began this week.
Te Whatu Ora group director of operations for Taranaki, Gillian Campbell, said expansion of the project to accommodate all Taranaki cancer services and construction-cost inflation were behind the budget increase.
"After a huge amount of planning and preparatory work behind the scenes, we're very excited to be breaking ground and starting to build this game-changing facility," said Campbell.
"Once it's built and commissioned, the Taranaki Cancer Centre is going to transform the way people diagnosed with cancer in Taranaki are treated.
"Not only will it provide the latest in modern cancer treatment technologies, but it will also bring our region's specialists and oncology services under one roof, and house a brand spanking new linear accelerator, or LINAC machine."
A LINAC was a machine that used radiation to destroy cancer cells while sparing surrounding tissue.
Campbell said it would be the first time this technology had been available in Taranaki.
"Having our own LINAC machine is massive for cancer patients and for our entire community.
"It means that when people are diagnosed with cancer in Taranaki, apart from an initial planning visit, most patients will no longer have to travel to Palmerston North and endure what can be a lengthy stay away from friends, whānau, and other support networks to receive radiation treatment.
"Being able to access radiation treatment this close to home will allow people to have the treatment, then head straight home to their own bed or even back to work, rather than having to stay in a motel in Palmerston North far from their family and support networks. These patient benefits and what it does for their overall well being can't be underestimated."
Campbell said clinical oversight of Taranaki Cancer Services would continue to be provided by specialists from Palmerston North, and it would also provide specialist staff to run the LINAC - a continuation of the long-standing relationship Taranaki had with its colleagues from Manawatū.
Architects Chow Hill designed the TTC and Leighs Construction awarded the contract to carry out the build.
Leigh's yellow and black branding was a familiar sight on the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. It was also contracted to deliver the New East Wing Building and had recently completed the region's new renal unit, Te Huhi Raupō.
"We have built a strong relationship with Leighs and it's fantastic that we have been able to secure them again for this important project," Campbell said.
TCC was scheduled to be completed in mid-2025. Once commissioned, it would provide:
- Ten chairs and two single isolation rooms for chemotherapy
- eight outpatient consult rooms with video conferencing capability
- restful and appropriate décor for wait spaces
- whānau facilities
- a LINAC radiotherapy Unit
- accessible facilities with carer-assisted change and bathrooms
- staff offices and amenities.
It would also be a five-star Green Star rated building, with strong sustainability principles ingrained into the design and construction.
RNZ
