Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Radiation Oncology Waiting List - Gone
28 January 2005
Radiation Oncology Waiting List - Gone
The waiting list for radiation therapy has been reduced to zero – the result of some excellent team work within the radiation oncology department at Christchurch hospital.
Clinical Director Dr Chris Wynne said the result was an amazing effort and came at a time when the department was about to start preparations for the new $3.5m linear accelerator.
‘The last patient was treated on the old machine yesterday. It has provided 117,000 treatments in its 15 year life time. We now have a four month period until the new equipment is ready for use. In the meantime we will still be able to treat all our patients as planned,’ he said. ‘There will be no reduction in services.’
Dr Wynne said not only had the waiting list been reduced to zero, the department is now fully staffed with radiation therapists and all patients are being treated to international standards.
The new linear accelerator will more accurately target treatments for all types of cancers and will be better able to track tumours. It is ‘high tech’ equipment designed to reduce collateral damage to the surrounding tissue and will correspondingly decrease the side effects experienced by patients. This will improve the patient’s condition, Dr Wynne said.
ENDS
Canterbury DHB
CDHB
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a Christchurch, New Zealand based hospital and healthcare provider for the
Canterbury region of New Zealand. Our region extends from Kekerengu in the North, to Rangitata in the South and Arthurs Pass in the West and comprises the six Territorial Local Authorities of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch City, Selwyn and Ashburton.
We collaborate with other health and disability organisations, stakeholders and our community to decide what health and disability services are needed and how to best use the funding we receive from Government to improve, promote and protect the health, wellbeing and independence of our population.
At the Canterbury DHB, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Canterbury.
The Conversation: Could The School Phone Ban Work?
Public Health Communication Centre: To Avoid A Measles Epidemic, Aotearoa Must Close The ‘Immunity Gap’
Heritage New Zealand: Kid-friendly Archaeology Resource Kit Launched As Part Of Archaeology Week
Tatai Aho Rau Core Education: Cyber Skills Programme For Tamariki Recognised At Māori Language Awards
Waitaha Kapa Haka: Waitaha-South Island Kapa Haka Celebrates 60th Anniversary
Braden Currie: Sets Sights On The Ironman North American Championships In Texas