Brad Hazzard says Northern Beaches Hospital precinct could be catalyst for university campus
For many years the movers and shakers of the northern beaches have attempted to attract a university to the region. Now, Health Minister Brad Hazzard has given a strong indication why that could soon be a reality.
Manly
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The northern beaches’ ever expanding health precinct can act as a catalyst to entice a university to Frenchs Forest, Health Minister Brad Hazzard has said.
The Wakehurst MP was commenting after plans were revealed for yet another hospital in the area.
A cancer treatment facility, to be built just 600 metres from Northern Beaches Hospital, will offer the latest in chemotherapy and radiotherapy care as well as pioneering health trials.
As previously reported, another private hospital is also planned in nearby Tilley Lane and there are already several other smaller health facilities in the area.
Mr Hazzard said the burgeoning health precinct is making the area increasingly attractive to university vice chancellors.
“If council approves the proposal it is a massive boost to the concept of a health precinct,” Mr Hazzard said of the cancer centre.
“The great health and innovation precincts around the world drive the latest research and outcomes for patients so it is good news all around.”
However, to become a truly great health precinct he said the area needed a university campus.
“That’s the advantage Westmead and Randwick have,” he said. “But there is enormous potential here and I’m hopeful the growing health precinct will add weight for a campus in the area.”
The proposed cancer centre in Frenchs Forest Rd East will be operated by GenesisCare and employ 52 people.
Ben Ward, from GenesisCare, said the proposed facility would bring the latest in cancer treatment to the northern beaches.
“As part of our commitment to designing better care, the services will also have a strong focus on research and clinical trials, providing patients with increased access and further bolstering GenesisCare’s innovation, research and development programs,” he said.
The centre will be capable of treating 98 patients at any one time with the latest in cancer treatment equipment spread across four floors.
As well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy equipment the centre will have MRI facilities and a linear particle accelerator machine which is used in treatment to destroy cancer cells.
There will also be three levels of basement parking.
As previously reported in the Manly Daily another private hospital is set to be built in Tilley Lane and there are several other health facilities within a kilometre of Northern Beaches Hospital.
“My vision has always been that Northern Beaches Hospital would act as a catalyst for a health precinct.
“The precinct will also now hopefully attract a university to the northern beaches.”
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