Australia-first cancer centre for children opens in Sydney
An Australian-first cancer centre has opened in Sydney, pledging to deliver world-leading care to children and young people with cancer.
The Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre (MCCCC) at Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick has the capacity to host 900 child cancer professionals, and features world-class equipment and state-of-the-art care for children in need.
The centre was completed for $658 million, with both the Federal and State governments backing the project.
LIVE UPDATES: 'You'll find out': Fresh Trump threat as Iran fires more missiles
The centre is designed to bring world-leading cancer care for children in Australia. Supplied
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the opening of the centre is something all Australians should be proud of.
"For the first time in Australia's history, we have a purpose-built, fully integrated cancer centre for children and young people, solely focused on improving their healthcare outcomes," he said.
"This world-class facility stands to revolutionise the model of care for children with cancer."
The centre will combine research with patient care, and will also feature education and training facilities, which will be used by the University of New South Wales.
NATIONAL: Toddler in coma after inhaling cake-decorating dust
Dr Andrew Forrest, Executive Chairman and Founder of Fortescue, Minderoo Foundation. The Sydney Morning Herald
The project has been backed by the Minderoo Foundation, set up by Australian billionaire Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest.
He said the centre in Sydney would change people's lives in the battle against childhood cancer.
"Cancer, particularly childhood cancer, is an insidious thief. Our goal has always been to stop that thief in its tracks and make childhood cancer non-fatal," he said.
"The world-leading facilities now accessible for families will give our doctors and scientists the tools and spaces they need to achieve that goal."
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
