A long-awaited "home away from home" for cancer patients needing to travel to Christchurch for treatment has finally opened.
The Cancer Society's new building is a replacement for the original, which was destroyed 12 years ago in the Christchurch earthquake.
The facility offers free accommodation, as well as integrated services for those navigating their diagnosis.
Paul Giddens is among those benefiting from the new building.
Every weekday, he receives radiation treatment for prostate cancer, which he calls "zapping sessions".
But the sessions are at Christchurch Hospital, and he lives in South Canterbury.
"Two hours' drive is just a bit far to come every day," he said.
Now, Giddens is staying in a room at the recently opened Canterbury Cancer Centre.
The Cancer Society's Craig Watson said they've "been in temporary accommodation and two motels" since losing Davidson House.
The $22 million facility boasts 50 rooms for patients across the South Island needing treatment in the Garden City – and it's all free of charge.
Two-bedroom units are also available to accommodate families.
"It's like a five-star hotel, honestly. I can't fault it," Giddens said.
The facility is also now home to several cancer charities too, serving as an integrated cancer support hub.
"It shouldn't be the most challenging thing for a client when they're diagnosed with cancer to find out where to go so, we want to provide that one stop shop, that opportunity to come here, get the support they need and help them on their journey," Watson said.
With an expected 9000 visitors a year, the Cancer Society said there's still more need.
"We're full and we will continue to be full," he said.
"We're really proud of our 50 bedrooms but actually, that's not enough for this community because more and more are going to be coming to Canterbury for their treatment."
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