New radiation oncology centre at Epworth Geelong

Icon Group radiation oncology centre with cutting-edge technology to be built at Epworth Geelong.

The construction of a new multimillion-dollar Geelong cancer treatment centre is expected to create more than 80 jobs.

A NEW multimillion-dollar cancer treatment centre is coming to Epworth Geelong, and its six-month build is expected to create more than 80 jobs. 

The centre will feature cutting-edge technology able to treat small tumours.

It will be the first private radiation oncology centre in the region, and is set to open at the Waurn Ponds hospital early next year. 

More than 80 construction workers will be hired for the $2.8 million build.

The project will also support the employment of additional staff in off-site manufacturing, transport and logistics.

The Icon Group facility will offer a range of radiation therapy techniques, including advanced stereotactic radiation therapy.

The technology provides pinpoint precision when treating small tumours commonly located in the brain, spine or lung.

It works to limit radiation doses to surrounding healthy tissue.

Epworth Geelong chief executive Damian Armour said the new facility would provide patients a new standard of technology.

It will also create health worker jobs, and is expected to have up to 10 staff working on any one day.

Construction on the new service, which will be located at the rear of the hospital, is expected to begin within the next month.

Icon Group chief executive Mark Middleton said the centre would offer a greater breadth of treatment and keep people from travelling outside the region. 

"Icon are delighted to be on track for a late 2019 completion of our radiation oncology centre at the Epworth Geelong Hospital," Mr Middleton said.

"Together Epworth and Icon are opening up greater choice for patients with cancer in the greater Geelong area.

"Icon will be opening with the most advanced radiation technology and techniques available."

*As published in Geelong Advertiser