Enabling cancer patients to be treated locally at the Royal Darwin Hospital’s new Radiation Oncology Facility
_____
Sector
Health
Contract value
$12+ million
Completion date
2009
Location
Tiwi, Northern Territory
Status
Completed
Type of project
Design and construction
Client
Northern Territory Government
Awards
2010 Master Builders NT Excellence Award Winner – President’s Award
Since 2009, the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre (AWCCC) has enabled cancer patients to be treated locally. Previously, all patients requiring radiation treatment were required to travel interstate, removing access to their families at a time when family support is critically important. The new radiation oncology facility was designed in consultation with the local community, ensuring all aspects of the centre reflects the comforts and needs of all Territorians. An example of this is the design of the patient waiting area which includes indoor and outdoor spaces that open directly to adjacent bushland.
During the first 12 months of operation, the facility treated 342 patients with more than 5,000 episodes of radiation therapy, and 240 patients with more than 3,000 episodes of chemotherapy. The operational efficiencies achieved are a tribute to the building design, quality of construction and the collaborative approach to design (combining the architects, construction team, and the stakeholders in constructive and effective design decisions).
The AWCCC has been widely recognised as the benchmark radiation oncology facility in Australia.
Project features
- IL4 (cyclonic) building or structure compliance
- Specialised fit out works
- Complex staging of works
- High density, urbanised and live operational environments
- Strict delivery timeframe
- Strict vibration, dust and noise controls
- Restricted working hours
- Management of nominated subcontractors
