A new private initiative quickens the pace of treatment

The number of patients waiting for treatment for cancer at the Auckland Hospital has declined sharply following the opening of the Auckland Radiation Oncology (ARO) Centre, it has been revealed. The centre’s clinical director professor Chellaraj Benjamin said more than 300 patients have been treated at the Centre since it became operational in November last year.

Prime Minister John Key officially inaugurated it on February 19. Dr Benjamin said although the incidence of cancer was high in New Zealand, a large number of people continued to ignore the symptoms and do not undergo medical examination and treatment.

“As official campaigns say, ‘Early detection is the best protection against cancer.’ “Breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men are among the most common occurrences in New Zealand. Women should go for regular mammogram tests after they reach 45 years of age. Free check-up facilities are available at medical centres throughout the country. The ARO is another option for New Zealanders,” he said.

It is the first private radiation therapy centre in the country, established as a partnership between MercyAscot and South Cross Hospitals.
The $20 million facility, established at the MercyAscot site in Epsom, is proximate to services treating cancer including radiology, laboratory, consulting suites, chemotherapy and pharmacy, and has ample parking for patients.

Dr Benjamin said ARO has 12 qualified staff to operate the systems, in addition to two physicists and other visiting professionals.

“The state-of-the-art centre comprises the Elekta Synergy Radiation Therapy System with ‘Mosaiq’ electronic medical records, and is the first of its type in New Zealand to treat cancer,” he said.

Equipped with an Elekta Synergy Linear Accelerator, the system combines high-resolution 3D imaging and comprehensive workflow solutions to create a sophisticated Image Guided Radiation Therapy treatment.

Dr Benjamin said facilities and services at the centre will be continuously improved, with the next stage of development expected to be completed next year.

“Another bunker will be built to facilitate treatment of more patients. “The centre will shortly adopt a number of advanced radiation therapy techniques such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and radiation therapy to accentuate treatment times,” he said.

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Original Elekta Press Release from April 25th 2008