Cabrini has officially opened its new $120 million clinical building, the Gandel Wing, at Cabrini Malvern on 4 June, with services to begin from 15 July.

The building’s completion signifies the end of nine years of planning and development to improve Cabrini’s facilities and provide an exceptional patient experience.

Designed by renowned architects Bates Smart and built by Kane Constructions, the Gandel Wing features the latest in cutting-edge design, urban amenity and modern technology to serve the needs of patients into the future.

The seven storey building will accommodate patients in the specialty areas of cancer, cardiac, maternity, geriatric care, emergency and infectious diseases.

It incorporates a new radiotherapy facility, located four levels below ground, with a linear accelerator to deliver radiation therapy to patients. This is the latest advancement in stereotactic radiation therapy and enables high doses of targeted radiation to treat multiple tumours in a much shorter period of time, sparing healthy tissue and often offering better overall survival and quality of life for patients.

Technology has been taken to a new level in the Gandel Wing, with a fibre optic spine to enable future technology to be easily integrated. A video call system, built into bedside screens, means patients can stay in touch with family and friends without relying on personal devices.

A new nurse call system connects each patient directly to their nurse, enabling the nurse to acknowledge the patient’s call and respond immediately, or give the patient an idea of when they will respond if they happen to be with another patient.

Cabrini Chief Executive Dr Michael Walsh said the Gandel Wing would allow the health service to continue to care for patients well into the future.

“The Gandel Wing will help Cabrini to be an even better health service, by consolidating, expanding and improving our facilities,” Dr Walsh said.

“Cabrini has always played an important role in caring for patients in the local area and beyond. This building will help us to deliver the utmost care to our patients as we enter a new era in technology.”

Dr Walsh thanked everyone who was involved in the project, particularly all of the donors who helped bring this project to life.

“We give our heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff and doctors, past and present, who assisted with this project at every step along the way and whose commitment makes our health service what it is today. We also acknowledge the support and guidance of the Cabrini Sisters.”

Cabrini has been a vital local healthcare provider for more than 70 years, with 2000 babies born every year and more than 23,000 patients treated in the emergency department.

Cabrini Board Chairman Sylvia Falzon said the Gandel Wing represented an exciting new chapter for the health service.

“This state-of-the-art building offers the very best in patient care and will enable us to uphold our reputation as a leader in healthcare in Victoria,” Ms Falzon said.

“Many things have changed since our humble beginnings more than 70 years ago but our commitment to helping the vulnerable in our community with compassion and respect has not wavered.”

“We continue to place our patients at the centre of everything we do, as we strive to provide them with the best possible care.”

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt welcomed the opening of the Gandel Wing and said the new facility would ensure greater access to care and support for Australians needing it most.

“In March of this year, the Morrison Government committed $6 million to enable the establishment of a new, separate, Institute of Cancer at Cabrini Malvern, allowing researchers and clinicians to work together towards life-saving breakthroughs,” Minister Hunt said.

“Cabrini’s commitment to delivering high-level, quality services to people in need is demonstrated by the hospital’s expansion.”

“I would like to recognise and congratulate all those who have served at the hospital, through providing patient care, and to those who have worked tirelessly in the development of the new wing.”