The relocation of medical imaging for Australia’s world-leading oncology clinic, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Peter Mac is a name synonymous with compassionate care and advanced technology, leading to a profound, daily influence on the wellbeing of cancer patients and their families in Australia. The Peter MacCallum Centre in Melbourne is a leading global cancer research, treatment, and education centre, that treats almost 12,000 chemotherapy patients every year.

The construction of Melbourne’s underground metro tunnel project imposed concerns on the existing Peter Mac site within the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC), where electromagnetic disruptions from the trains would impact the current MRI imaging infrastructure, necessitating the department’s move to a new site on St Andrews Place in East Melbourne.

Gray Puksand was initially appointed to complete a rigorous feasibility study to determine a suitable location for the department’s move. Upon conducting extensive stakeholder consultation and responding to concerns about structural limitations and minimising disruptions to hospital operations into account, an appropriate site on the second level was selected. Gray Puksand executed a fast-track program to minimise the impact of the relocation of the MRI machines and ensure hospital operations weren’t delayed.

Now officially complete, the updated cancer imaging department is home to two new MRI machines, and a range of other imaging modalities including a CT Scanner, X-Ray, Ultrasound and Mammogram. The scheme is futureproofed to ensure that the design outcome provides spatial flexibility that stands the test of time.

“Conceptually, the design started with the understanding that most of the patients using the imaging department are dealing with painful circumstances and that scanning can frequently be a stressful process for these patients and their families,” said Gray Puksand’s Senior Associate and Project Lead Quentin Seik.

Natural materials are a key feature of the updated interiors. A floor-to-ceiling timber seating area welcomes visitors, offering a more calming and private space than traditional clinical waiting rooms. Timber finishes continue extensively throughout the rest of the space, exuding warmth, and comfort from each panel. Marble benches are also incorporated into the reception, exemplifying peace from the incoming patient’s first interaction.

Curved forms further soften the interior of the imaging department. The rounded corners smoothly delineate between the different areas, enhancing feelings of serenity and informing passive wayfinding solutions. By incorporating natural elements and curved forms, the design creates a calming and serene environment for patients and visitors who are dealing with a traumatic and life-changing experience.

Beyond alleviating stress for visitors, the operational efficiency of the department was critical to the design. To accommodate the loads of the MRI machines and other heavy imaging equipment, Gray Puksand oversaw an extensive structural strengthening process done to the new location’s existing architecture. This not only ensures the effective operation of current equipment but also prepares the site for the potential addition of other machines in the future.

Gray Puksand is committed to the provision of state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, designing spaces that uphold excellence in both clinical practice and patient care.

“The wellbeing of our patients is at the heart of everything we do, so we’re thrilled that the new Cancer Imaging Department has been designed with this at the forefront. This new space will allow us to continue to provide the best possible care to cancer patients,” said Geoff Fazakerley, Capital Projects Manager at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

The relocation of medical imaging for Australia’s world-leading oncology clinic, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

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