ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Health Katy Gallagher MLA and Member for Canberra Gai Brodtmann MP today opened a new 'home-away-from-home' for regional cancer patients and their carers during treatment at Canberra Hospital.

Duffy House is a refurbished home in Jemalong Street, Duffy less than 10km from Canberra Hospital and includes six bedrooms, all with individual ensuites, sitting rooms and will accommodate up to 12 adults - six patients and six carers.

"The opening of this new facility is a great example of two levels of Government working together toward a common goal to improve health services and deliver results for the people of the ACT and surrounding areas," the Chief Minister said.

"Canberra is a regional centre, providing health services across the South East region. Commonwealth funding for Duffy House is helping us deliver these services."

Ms Brodtmann represented The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Federal Minister for Health who supported the facility under the Australian Government's Health and Hospitals Fund. The fund provided $1.789 million for the purchase of the property, extensive renovations, special features, equipment, landscaping and fit-out. The refurbishment work was managed by the ACT Health Directorate.

"The Gillard Labor Government is delighted to have been able partner with the ACT government in delivering this important 'home away from home' for cancer patients and their families in the Canberra region," Ms Brodtmann said.

"The new accommodation also complements the new Canberra Region Cancer Centre which is under construction on the Canberra Hospital campus and is expected to be completed in 2013."

In demonstration of Canberra's community spirit and support, Peta and Sean Barnes from Chemworks also donated whitegoods, kitchen items, crockery and cooking utensils to the new facility.

"I would also like to thank Chemworks personally for their support of this project and for their generous support of other cancer related charities in the ACT," the Chief Minister concluded.