Peter Mac cancer patients on the move

Some of Melbourne's most critically ill cancer patients are being moved by ambulance from the Peter MacCallum centre in a logistical operation requiring surgical precision.

Around 50 patients will be relocated on Thursday by seven ambulances running shuttles to the new $1 billion Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

The move is expected to be completed by 3pm.

Only those patients needing critical medical attention are being moved on Thursday. Those well enough were sent home or moved to another hospital earlier in the week.

Peter Mac chief medical officer David Speakman said the three kilometre, 10-minute journey from East Melbourne to Parkville posed little risk to patients.

Those needing ongoing medical attention will, however, travel with a medical clinician.

Others, particularly the very sick and scared, will have a family member accompany them.

"The best thing about Parkville is it's designed completely around patients - if you're suffering we've made that experience as easy as we possibly can," Dr Speakman told reporters.

All rooms at the VCCC are outwards facing, meaning patients often undergoing intensive treatment will get natural light and a view. That's something the old site lacked.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy says patients will continue to receive the very best cancer care, diagnosis and treatment in a "most beautiful building".

The transfer marks the end of Peter Mac's 22 years at its East Melbourne site, which will receive its official "stand down" message at 6pm on Thursday.

Melbourne's Eye and Ear Hospital will move into the vacated site for a few months while it's own building undergoes much-needed renovations.