Construction has officially begun on the new Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre, a major health investment expected to bring radiation treatment closer to home for hundreds of patients across the region.
Health Minister Simeon Brown marked the start of construction at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, where the new centre will become the region’s first local radiation treatment service.
At present, Hawke’s Bay patients who need radiation treatment often have to travel to Palmerston North, facing return journeys of more than four hours while undergoing difficult and exhausting treatment.
Once completed, the centre is expected to support around 500 patients each year by reducing the need for long-distance travel and allowing more people to receive care closer to whānau, support networks and their own communities.
The Government has confirmed a further $7.6 million for Stage Two of the project, on top of the $37.2 million already announced for Stage One, bringing the total investment to $44.8 million.
A key feature of the new centre will be Hawke’s Bay’s first Linear Accelerator, known as a LINAC machine. The technology delivers targeted radiation treatment to cancer cells while reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Stage One will include construction of the LINAC facility, two treatment bunkers and clinical spaces designed to meet current needs and allow for future growth. Stage Two will complete the wider cancer centre, including modern medical oncology and haematology services.
Workforce planning is already underway to support the new service, with the centre forming part of the wider redevelopment of Hawke’s Bay Hospital.
For whānau across Hawke’s Bay, the project represents more than bricks and mortar. It means less time on the road, less pressure on families, and better access to specialist cancer care at one of the most difficult times in a person’s life.
The new centre is also expected to ease pressure on other hospitals and strengthen the region’s health system as demand for cancer services continues to grow.
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