On 27 July 2017 Cabrini marked the beginning of work on its new hospital wing, the Gandel Wing, at Cabrini Malvern, announcing principal donors John Gandel AC and Pauline Gandel.
Community members will benefit from lifesaving cardiac, acute geriatric, medical imaging and radiotherapy services, with building of the hospital’s new state-of-the-art Gandel Wing now underway at Cabrini Malvern following a ceremonial groundbreaking attended by Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt MP (Member for Flinders) and Federal Minister for Revenue & Financial Services Kelly O’Dwyer MP (Member for Higgins), as well as Stonnington Mayor Cr Jami Klisaris.
Cabrini Health and the Cabrini Foundation welcomed the generous support of principal donors and joint capital campaign Patrons John Gandel AC and Pauline Gandel. “On behalf of the Cabrini Sisters, our Board of Directors and the whole Cabrini community, we are overwhelmed by the Gandels’ extraordinary support and generosity, which embodies the spirit of genuine community service for which the family is well known,” said Cabrini Chief Executive Dr Michael Walsh.
Mr Gandel said his family has had a long-standing association with Cabrini and has had first-hand experience of Cabrini’s “world-class medical care”.
“With their bold vision for the future that is underpinned by the new clinical building, Cabrini will continue delivering best quality care to numerous generations to come,” he said.
Mr Gandel said he and his wife were honoured to be joint Patrons of the capital appeal. “Becoming involved with this initiative is very special to us and we are committed to helping in any way we can,” he said. “This appeal is about the people and showing each other that we care: together we are stronger and together we can all help ensure that Cabrini will continue to be at the very heart of this community, providing moments of hope and care that are so needed in the world today.”
Dr Michael Walsh said Cabrini was evolving as a better health service with the new Gandel Wing.
“Our new facilities at Cabrini Malvern will allow us to offer services that patients want and need such as radiotherapy,” he said. “We will soon be able to provide fully integrated cancer care to meet the needs of the Cabrini community from diagnosis through to medical treatment and rehabilitation, or palliative care if cure is not possible.”
Due for completion in 2019, the new clinical building will comprise seven above-ground floors on Cabrini’s south-west corner on Wattletree Road, as well as more underground parking. The Gandel Wing, which will be located on Cabrini Malvern’s current footprint on Wattletree Road at the corner of Isabella Street, will include:
• A new radiotherapy centre and a contemporary day oncology unit with an emphasis on the patient experience
• Expanded maternity facilities including more beds and an upgraded special care nursery for unwell babies
• An improved cardiac services unit to urgently treat issues of cardiac rhythm and cardiac failure
• An acute geriatric medical unit to meet the needs of elderly, frail, or cognitively impaired patients
• An expanded emergency department, which will enable us to treat our increasingly complex patient presentations
• A greater proportion of single patient rooms across all new levels
• Improvements to local amenity such as closure of the existing main carpark access on Isabella Street, a new bicycle facility to encourage cycling to and from work and undergrounding of adjacent powerlines
Dr Walsh said Cabrini would keep the community informed about progress of the project.
“We will provide regular updates on the Cabrini website,” he said. “We recognise that such a large project can cause disruption for staff, patients, visitors and neighbours, and we are keen to work with stakeholders to minimise inconvenience and to ensure swift project completion.”
About Cabrini
Cabrini is a Catholic, private, not-for-profit provider of health and health-related services sponsored by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This order was founded by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917) who was canonised Universal Patron Saint of Immigrants in 1946. Founded in 1948, Cabrini now has approximately 4500 staff, 200 volunteers and 1300 accredited medical specialists. Our services span aged care, cancer care, cardiac services, children’s care, emergency care, health promotion, home/community-based care, maternity services, palliative care, rehabilitation, research and education. Cabrini Technology provides information and healthcare technology services to Cabrini and other clients in the health, disability and aged-care sectors in Australasia. The Cabrini Foundation (established in 2002) oversees and guides all fundraising activities on behalf of Cabrini, helping to ensure we can continue to provide a wide range of vital healthcare services for our community. For more information visit www.cabrini.com.au
About John and Pauline Gandel
John and Pauline established Gandel Foundation as the charitable vehicle for the philanthropic activities of the extended Gandel family back in 1978. Since its inception Gandel Foundation has distributed millions of dollars in grants and has built a proud history of supporting both Jewish and general charitable causes. John and Pauline continue to expand their community involvement and support in areas as diverse as education, arts and culture and Jewish identity and leadership, while health and medical research have long been one of their core areas of interest and strong support.
Media information: Christine Elmer ph (03) 9508 3551 or 0459 811 693 or Jackie Meiers ph (03) 9508 3552 or 0419 009 146, Cabrini marketing and community relations department.