New Hospital Cuts Cancer Services Three Months After Opening

The new Footscray Hospital, which opened to patients only three months ago, is facing the potential reduction of vital cancer services. A specialist centralisation plan by the Health Department intends to cease oesophageal surgeries at the facility.

Patients requiring these procedures will instead need to travel to Geelong Hospital or Peter Mac for treatment. Surgeons, patients, and Western Health, the operator of the $1.5 billion hospital, have strongly opposed this proposal. They contend that it will force vulnerable patients and their families to undertake extensive travel for necessary care, potentially leading to disrupted and fragmented treatment pathways.

A leaked document from Western Health indicates that the loss of these services could create an "access gap" for patients presenting to the emergency department with urgent oesophageal surgery needs.