New Linac for cancer treatment opened at Wellington Hospital

 

On October 31 the Minister of Health, Tony Ryall, opened the new Varian TrueBeam radiotherapy linear accelerator machine at Wellington Hospital’s Blood & Cancer centre. The machine, which was part of a $5.5 million project, is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and marks the beginning of a new era in the radiotherapy treatment of cancers for Capital & Coast.

“I am sure you too will see today’s celebration as not only the opening of a machine, but will see this as also representing the many lives that will benefit from Capital and Coast DHB reliably delivering the front line cancer treatment patients really need and deserve,” the Minister said.

Clinical Leader for Radiation Oncology Carol Johnson said it was a big day for the department after two years of planning. “It took a mountain of work to get us here today but the real work is just starting. This facility is not just for us but for Wellington and beyond as it becomes the platform for delivering treatment for the next decade that is faster and more precise to patients and also that is safer – so this really is the machine for the future."

Radiation treatment is a key component in both curing and reducing symptoms of cancer. Research has shown that 52% of cancer patients should receive radiation therapy as part of their treatment. Radiation treatment contributes to 40% of cured cases, either alone or in conjunction with another treatment such as surgery.

“The arrival of the Truebeam Linac is the beginning of the next phase of cancer treatment for patients in the Wellington region. This new model will allow us to provide advanced treatments and will allow new treatment techniques to be used in the future. The business case for this project started back in 2009 and to see it come to fruition is very exciting for both staff and patients,” said Lynne Greig, Chief Medical Physicist for the Radiation Oncology service at C&C DHB.

C&C DHB Board Chair Virginia Hope also congratulated staff on the multi-disciplinary approach in purchasing and installing the new Linac.

"I am proud that this DHB seeks to invest in new technology in order to best serve our population. Our old Linac had served this population well for almost 15 years - delivering more than 100,000 treatments - and it is pleasing to be here today and be able to tell the Minister we did it on time, within budget, and with staff working extra hours to ensure there was no disruption to patients during the change-over process,” said Dr Hope.

"Having this advanced technology is not just good for the people of our region, but also an investment in our future as it makes this DHB a desired place to work as we strive to be an employer of choice where ongoing education is valued.

"On behalf of the Board, I'd like to congratulate all staff for the immense amount of work that has gone in to making this day possible. This is an exciting day for us all as we look towards future proofing Capital & Coast so it can provide more effective and advance treatments to its patients.”