A site for the state’s first cancer wellness centre in the heart of the Hobart CBD has been officially revealed.
The former Theatre Royal Hotel on Campbell Street, across the road from the Royal Hobart Hospital, will soon be transformed into the new S.H.E (Support, Hope, and Education) facility.
“When my wife, Jo, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer we were shocked that there weren’t more support services in place for cancer patients,” S.H.E Chair Scott Harris said.
“This facility will help continue Jo’s legacy and the many Tasmanians who have bravely battled a cancer diagnosis.”
The building will remain under the ownership of the University of Tasmania (UTAS), with Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black expressing the University’s pride in supporting the S.H.E organisation.
“The new cancer wellness centre will provide invaluable support to Tasmanian cancer patients and their loved ones, and the University is proud to be a part of its realisation today,” he said.
“Its proximity to the University’s Medical Science Precinct will also help build research capacity and education programs to ensure global best practice cancer treatment and recovery for Tasmanian cancer patients.”
Harris now plans to develop a business case for the facility in collaboration with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government.
“This wellness centre will provide support, hope and compassion to Tasmanians and I am immensely proud of today’s announcement,” he said.
The current Theatre Royal Hotel building dates back to 1904 and has sat vacant for several years.
