Children being treated at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) will have seamless access to the benefits of a world-leading cancer care and research facility.

During a tour of the new RCH site today, Health Minister Daniel Andrews announced the RCH is forming a partnership with the Parkville Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

“This means those treated at our world class children’s hospital will also have seamless access to the benefits of a world leading cancer care and research facility,” Mr Andrews said.

Mr Andrews also said the $1 billion new RCH was taking shape with about 100 medical service pendants being installed in its theatres and other treatment rooms.

“The specialist medical service pendants which hang from the roof and distribute power, medical gases and anaesthetic, enable doctors and nurses to provide the highest quality care to young patients,” he said.

“The pendants allows for the optimum use of space providing a more efficient and safer working environment for doctors and nurses.”

Construction of the landmark new Royal Children’s Hospital is progressing on time and on budget, with completion scheduled for the end of 2011.

Work on the Parkville Comprehensive Cancer Centre is expected to start in 2011, with the new facilities due for completion in 2015. Demolition of the former Royal Dental Hospital buildings is almost complete.