NEW QUEENSLAND CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ANOTHER STEP CLOSER

The move towards one dedicated Queensland children’s hospital is a step closer after the Mater and Royal Children’s cancer services amalgamated, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson said the move means the public health system now boasts a single integrated centre to look after children with cancer.

“The new Queensland Children’s Cancer Centre, at the Royal Children’s Hospital, amalgamates children’s cancer services previously delivered at both the Royal and the Mater,” Mr Robertson said.

“Each year the Mater and the Royal treat and care for around 150 new and existing young cancer patients in Queensland.

“Mater patients began moving a couple of weeks ago and I’m advised all former Mater patients are now being treated at the Royal.

“In addition, Mater Children’s clinical cancer staff, including 10 nurses and three medical specialists, have relocated so the Queensland Children’s Cancer Centre is appropriately staffed.

“The vacated Mater space will accommodate the Prince Charles’ paediatric cardiac unit in the first half of next year.”

Mr Robertson said the integrated cancer service was an exciting milestone in the development of a single children’s hospital in Queensland.

“It will also improve cancer services in the short term before the new hospital is built by concentrating clinical experience and expertise in one location to improve outcomes for children.

“It’s been made possible through a partnership between Mater Health Services and Queensland Health and represents the first service amalgamation in the lead up to the establishment of a new Queensland Children’s Hospital.

“The Queensland Government is building a single world-class children’s hospital on a site adjacent to the current Mater Children’s Hospital, due to open from 2011.

“The children’s cancer centre will be home to a coordinated children’s cancer network under the leadership of Professor Ross Pinkerton.

“A centralised cancer facility for Queensland children will maximise the use of clinical and research resources and improve opportunities for staff to develop specialised knowledge and skills.

“Families in Brisbane and across Queensland will have improved access to new treatment strategies such as specialised imaging and bone marrow transplant services from one site.

“The collocation of the Queensland Children’s Cancer Centre and the Queensland Paediatric Haematology and Oncology network at the Royal supports the development of a strong and effective statewide children’s cancer network.“

Mr Robertson said the formation of a single children’s cancer centre will also enhance paediatric clinical research in Queensland.

“More children will now benefit from current paediatric research emanating from the Royal Children’s Hospital into brain tumours, leukaemia and solid tumours,” he said.

“Planning for the Queensland Children’s Hospital is progressing according to schedule.

“The master planning phase is due for completion in the first quarter of next year and occurring in tandem with the development of the hospital’s Health Service Plan.”

MEDIA: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185