National boost for melanoma care and research as the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre at The Alfred is officially opened

The Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre on St Kilda Road, which backs onto one of Australia’s leading hospitals, was officially opened today by the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan.

The new $152.4 million facility will deliver lifesaving clinical trials, research and care under one roof, heralding a new era in cancer care.

Alfred Health Chief Executive, Prof Andrew Way, said the centre combines advanced medicine and precision technology to give specialists the best chance of defeating ‘Australia’s cancer’, melanoma.

“Since we opened the Victorian Melanoma Service close to 30 years ago, The Alfred has been at the forefront of melanoma care, research and clinical trials – with a real focus on early detection, diagnosis and cutting-edge treatment.

“With the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre we now have a purpose-built space to continue this level of care and further improve access to clinical trials, new technology and emerging therapies.

“Having our clinicians working so closely with researchers and scientists from partners, like Monash University, will save lives and support Australia’s fight against melanoma and other cancers.”

The Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre includes:

• Modern and welcoming treatment and consultation spaces for patients, including day therapy treatment chairs overlooking Melbourne’s iconic St Kilda Road and tranquil gardens.
• A Wellness Centre, providing a dedicated home for respite, education and support services for patients, their families and carers.
• A hub for clinical trials – enabling patients to receive access to cutting-edge treatment in the same location.
• Integrated precision technology, promoting early detection of melanoma and connecting regional and rural patients with the very best of care.
• On-site research laboratories, allowing patients to benefit from advancements in medicine as soon as possible; and
• World-class research and training facilities, attracting the brightest and best minds in cancer care.

Director of the Victorian Melanoma Service at The Alfred, Prof Victoria Mar, said the centre’s unique co-location with The Alfred meant patients would have access to the comprehensive health care they need to live well.

“The future of cancer care is bright. With rapid advances in therapies, cancer has, in many cases, become a chronic disease. Living well has therefore become much more of a focus,” said Prof Mar.

“Cancer treatment can also be complex, requiring access to the full suite of medical and surgical specialities, including a world class intensive care unit, which is what they’ll get here at The Alfred.

“Thank you to Paula and the Fox family and all of our philanthropic partners for thinking big with us and for bringing this centre – a new place of healing and inspiration – to life.”

The development of this centre was driven by Alfred Health patient and philanthropist Paula Fox and is the result of significant support from the Victorian Government and Australia Government, the Fox Family Foundation, Minderoo Foundation and Monash University, along with many other donors and supporters.