The $1.7 million Anam Cara Centre is an 11 chair facility generously built entirely from community donations. 

The facility includes new windows to improve the outlook for patients and a well-being area located away from the treatment area where patients can relax. 

Oncologist  Craig Carden said the previous facility housed four chairs with the possibility for it be expanded to six as required. 

“I think the availability of chemotherapy chairs has increased with the increasing population,” he said. 

“People spend hours waiting to have chemotherapy, waiting to have preparation medication to prevent nausea and then having the actual treatment.”

One of the patients who will use the new facility Jodie Downey has been attending St John of God for chemotherapy treatment since August. 

“I think the key thing for me is that, I had three treatments in the previous place, this is specifically for day oncology, so you don’t feel like you are part of the hospital,” she said. 

“You do feel like you are part of it but more as a visitor, (the old facility) was part of the ward whereas here it seems quite different. 

“It is lovely and there is a lot of natural light.

“Aesthetics are important anywhere but particularly when you are going through something because you want to be somewhere nice because it will make you feel better.”

Ms Downey was diagnosed with breast cancer in June this year. 

“It (the new facility) is an uplifting place to be,” she said. 

“For me this place, is symbolised by the care that is given, I have experienced the best care through the nurses, the oncologist and the people here. 

“The treatment has been fabulous and it does make you feel better.

“Your healing happens when you are treated like that, you are treated well and treated like a person and people respond to you. It is huge.”

Local Building contractor H. Troon completed the build within four months. 

The space previously used for day oncology will be used to house an additional four inpatient beds.