Residents of the Lubusz Region are now three years away from the establishment of the Lubusz University Oncology Centre (LUCO). On 19 May, a press conference was held at the Karol Marcinkowski University Hospital in Zielona Góra to announce the signing of a funding agreement with the Ministry of Health for the construction of the Centre through Poland’s Medical Fund. The event also provided an opportunity to present details of the project, including the planned schedule of works and the hospital units that will be housed within the new facility.
The funding agreement with the Ministry of Health was signed in April. The next stage, planned for May, involves signing a contract for the preparation of project documentation with the consortium of companies that won the architectural competition.
“Cancer remains one of the greatest challenges facing modern healthcare. Medical expertise must be supported by appropriate infrastructure and advanced equipment. This project has been accompanied by considerable emotions—from the completion of the initial design and the cancellation of the first competition to the extensive efforts that followed. I would like to thank everyone involved for their determination and commitment. Without hesitation, I can say that this will be one of the most important oncology investments in western Poland. I am particularly pleased by the comprehensive nature of the project. Together with the University Hospital and the Polyclinic, it will create an outstanding medical complex that will transform this area. The demolition of the last remaining old buildings will complete a more than seven-year investment process carried out at the hospital campus in Zielona Góra,” said Sebastian Ciemnoczołowski, Marshal of the Lubusz Voivodeship.
The Lubusz University Oncology Centre will be built behind the Polyclinic and will extend the hospital’s main Buildings B and C. The facility will house the Clinical Department of Surgical Oncology, the Clinical Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Clinical Department of Haematology, the Clinical Department of Urology, a Central Operating Theatre, the Department of Nuclear Medicine with Scintigraphy and PET/CT Laboratories, the Hospital Pharmacy, the Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, a medical warehouse, catering facilities, staff changing rooms, and technical infrastructure.
“This will be one of the largest investments in the region. The Lubusz University Oncology Centre will provide cancer patients not only with access to comprehensive treatment but also to advanced diagnostic services. In addition, the project includes upgrading other hospital units located in separate facilities, including the Radiotherapy Department and the hospital laundry,” emphasized Dr Marek Działoszyński, President of the Karol Marcinkowski University Hospital in Zielona Góra.
Efforts to secure the construction of the oncology centre have been ongoing for several years.
“Following the construction of the Mother and Child Health Centre, this became a strategic priority for the Lubusz Region. We collected signatures from residents and worked tirelessly to secure support. Although the first competition was cancelled, that chapter is now behind us. Today, we celebrate success. Over the past decade, we have all come to understand that nothing is more important than health. Health and quality of life must remain our highest priorities. This centre will enable treatment that meets European standards, providing the people of the Lubusz Region with the high-quality healthcare facilities they deserve after many years of underinvestment,” explained Member of Parliament Elżbieta Anna Polak.
The construction and future operation of LUCO will also create significant opportunities for students at the University of Zielona Góra.
“Our University has offered a Medical Degree Programme for eleven years and provides a range of other healthcare-related programmes. The University Hospital serves as the primary location for clinical education and practical training. I am convinced that the construction of this new facility will significantly enhance both the quality of clinical placements and the conditions under which they are delivered. We also hope that it will encourage graduates of our medical programmes to remain in the region and pursue their professional careers here,” said Professor Wojciech Strzyżewski, Rector of the University of Zielona Góra.
“The opening of such a large facility will allow us to admit patients in a timely manner and provide them with the care they need. We require additional space, as we treat a large number of patients, not only those with cancer but also individuals with conditions such as multiple sclerosis. All of them require specialist support. This is also excellent news for our students. The Centre will strengthen our ability to encourage young medical professionals to build their futures in Zielona Góra,” added Professor Emilian Snarski, Director of the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Zielona Góra.
City authorities also highlighted the strategic importance of the project. “We are talking about the health and wellbeing of our residents, as well as access to high-quality diagnostics and treatment. The University Hospital plays a fundamental role in healthcare provision across the city and region. It is a place where people regain their health and quality of life. The establishment of the Oncology Centre will further strengthen the professionalism and effectiveness of cancer treatment services. This achievement is the result of close cooperation and shared commitment. Together, we are investing in development and medical security,” said Marcin Pabierowski, Mayor of Zielona Góra.
The total cost of the investment is estimated at approximately PLN 294 million. Around PLN 293.8 million will be provided through the Medical Fund. Additional contributions of PLN 30 million each have been pledged by the Lubusz Voivodeship Self-Government and the City of Zielona Góra, while approximately PLN 600,000 will come from the University Hospital’s own resources.
If the project proceeds according to schedule, the Lubusz University Oncology Centre is expected to begin operations in 2029.
