New cancer machine treating patients at Wellington Hospital

Cancer patients across the Wellington region will benefit from more precise and advanced treatment with a new radiation therapy Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine now treating patients at Wellington Regional Hospital, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

"This new machine means patients across the region can access more advanced, highly targeted cancer treatment closer to home," Mr Brown says.

"This latest generation LINAC replaces a machine that had reached the end of its working life, and is the first of two replacement LINACs being delivered through a $12.6 million investment to modernise radiation oncology services across the Capital, Coast, and Hutt Valley district."

Radiation therapy is used to treat a wide range of cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, head and neck, and gynaecological cancers, and to relieve symptoms, reduce pain and improve quality of life for patients receiving palliative treatment.

The new machine uses advanced camera-based surface guidance to accurately position patients and continuously monitor them throughout treatment. This technology provides an additional layer of precision by detecting even small changes in patient position, helping ensure treatment is delivered exactly as planned while minimising radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

"The new LINAC also supports ongoing clinical innovation and workforce development, providing opportunities for staff to train and work with the latest radiation therapy technology.

"Replacing a LINAC is a significant undertaking. Each machine weighs several tonnes and sits within a purpose-built bunker with 1.2 metre thick concrete walls. Before treating its first patient, the new LINAC underwent months of installation, commissioning and comprehensive safety testing to meet strict clinical and technical standards.

"The radiation oncology team at Wellington Regional Hospital maintained services throughout the installation period, ensuring continuity of care for patients during a significant equipment upgrade."

Just over 1,500 new patients are treated across three machines at Wellington Regional Hospital every year, delivering more than 16,000 treatments annually. The second LINAC will be replaced later this year.

Mr Brown says the investment is part of a wider programme to upgrade and expand cancer treatment capacity across New Zealand.

"New LINACs are treating patients in Auckland and Dunedin, we have delivered the first ever radiation therapy services in Taranaki and Northland, and construction is underway on the new Hawke's Bay Cancer Centre, which will include a LINAC for the region.

"We are focused on fixing the basics and building the future. For Wellington patients, that means access to modern, world-class radiation treatment close to home, now and into the future." ...