In a significant boost for healthcare in Western Australia, state planning authorities have given the green light to a multi-million dollar cancer care expansion at a leading Perth private hospital.
Unanimous Approval for Vital Oncology Service
The Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel voted unanimously on December 23 to approve a $4.5 million radiation oncology facility for St John of God Subiaco Hospital. The decision paves the way for the construction of the Icon Cancer Centre, first proposed by St John Of God Health Care in June 2025.
The project will see the addition of two specialised radiation oncology bunkers, along with crucial clinical and support spaces. These will include consultation rooms, a dedicated nurse station, and an examination room, creating a comprehensive suite for cancer treatment.
Meeting a Growing Community Need
Town of Cambridge mayor and panel member, Gary Mack, highlighted the historical significance of the site and the pressing need for the service. He noted a medical facility has existed on the location since 1895, with a hospital operating since 1898.
"St John Of God is a key private medical facility within the WA region," Mr Mack said. "The addition of an oncology service meets the needs of the community as cancer is becoming a more common medical condition."
The statistics underscore this need. Each year, more than 13,000 West Australians receive a cancer diagnosis, with approximately half of those patients requiring radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan. Currently, only select radiation therapies are offered at the hospital, forcing many patients to travel to separate facilities for this critical care.
Centralised Care and Familiar Surroundings
The new centre will be situated next to the hospital's existing Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre, consolidating most cancer services in one precinct. A report to the panel confirmed the development would be contained within the hospital grounds and not visible from surrounding streets.
St John of God Subiaco Hospital chief executive, Tina Chinery, emphasised the patient benefits when the plans were announced. She stated that providing radiation therapy on-site would save patients valuable time and reduce stress by offering treatment in a familiar environment.
"At present, only select radiation therapies are offered to patients in our hospital’s operating theatres," Ms Chinery explained. "Patients are therefore generally required to seek radiation treatment at facilities elsewhere."
The Subiaco facility will become Icon's third cancer centre in Western Australia, joining existing locations in Rockingham and Midland. Construction was initially anticipated to commence in 2025, with the recent approval clearing the final administrative hurdle for the project to proceed.
