The Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre (SCCC) achieved a momentous milestone by extending compassionate care to over 10,000 local patients as it commemorates a decade of dedicated service and held an event on 16 October to mark the significant milestone that has been reached.

Margot Mains, Chief Executive of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff and volunteers who have tirelessly served the local community saying, “We are incredibly proud to celebrate this 10-year milestone at the SCCC and look forward to the next 10 years as we continue to provide these important services to our local community.”

“The SCCC is an integral part of the District’s Cancer Care Services, providing a range of specialised cancer care and treatments to people in the Shoalhaven and South Coast. This includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, blood management and infusions, plus a wide range of patient support services.” 

Professor Lorraine Chantrill, Co-Director of Cancer Services at ISLHD, emphasised how the Centre, since its inception in 2013, has revolutionised cancer care services in the Shoalhaven, facilitating local access to care and minimising the necessity to travel to Wollongong or Sydney.

“We’ve seen the SCCC’s capacity expand over the past decade, with significant increases in the number of patients able to access treatment each month,” Professor Chantrill said. 

Throughout the years, the SCCC has evolved, expanding to accommodate eight chairs in the Oncology Day Centre and introducing a second Linear Accelerator. This enhancement offers patients enhanced access to radiotherapy treatments.

ISLHD Nursing Co-Director Cancer Services, Nicola Ryan, said the community has been at the centre of the planning, construction and operation of the SCCC, contributing to the success of the Centre. 

“The accommodation lodge located adjacent to the SCCC was made possible thanks to $1 million raised by the local community through the Shoalhaven LINAC committee, and subsequent donations and fundraising efforts have continued to support the SCCC and its services,” Ms Ryan said.