Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre will undertake the transfer of inpatients from its current site in East Melbourne to its new home within the $1 billion Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre building commencing at 7.30am today.

Around 50 patients will be moved by care teams operating at both sites supported by 7 ambulances working in rotation from 7.30am to approximately 5.30pm.

The day will mark the end of Peter Mac’s 22 years of service caring for cancer patients at the East Melbourne site.

It also heralds a new era, where for the first time in its 67-year history, Peter Mac’s highly specialised cancer care will be provided in state-of-the-art and purpose-built facilities for cancer care and research.

The safety and privacy of patients, many of whom are extremely unwell, is the number one priority for today’s move.

The majority of Peter Mac’s cancer services, including for all inpatients and outpatients, will be fully operational in the new building from tomorrow, Friday 24 June 2016. Appointments currently scheduled for East Melbourne, will automatically transfer to the same time and date at our new home.

Youth cancer patient services at ONTrac will remain in East Melbourne until early August.

Around 31,000 cancer patients from across Victoria together make more than 100,000 visits to Peter Mac over the course of a year. Approximately 75% of patients are from metropolitan and suburban Melbourne. 25% are from rural and regional Victoria, with a number of patients also from interstate and overseas.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health Jill Hennessy

“Peter Mac holds a special place in the hearts and minds of so many Victorians, treating thousands of cancer patients each year and providing the very best cancer care, diagnosis and treatment.”

“Today marks an exciting new era for cancer care in Victoria as Peter Mac transfers its patients to its new state-of-the-art home inside the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.”

“Peter Mac patients will now be treated in one of the most beautiful buildings, by our best and brightest minds and wonderful health workforce.”

The next update will be provided at 12:30PM.

For more information: please contact:

  • Danny Rose: 0407 250 088, Peter Mac East Melbourne
  • Lydia Richards: 0418 572 402, Peter Mac East Melbourne
  • Julie Bissinella: 0478 199 791, Peter Mac VCCC building
  • Georgia Brumby: 0428 698 185, Minister Hennessy

MEDIA RELEASE: Peter Mac prioritises safety in historic move today