Cancer services in the Northern Rivers have received a big boost, with the latest technology in radiation therapy now available to more patients at the North Coast Cancer Institute at Lismore Base Hospital.
The upgrade includes replacement of the two linear accelerators (LINACs), which has equipped the Institute with more modern machines capable of interfacing with the latest technology in cancer treatment, along with refurbishment of the radiation therapy bunkers to improve the patient experience, and upgrades to the planning room used by staff to schedule and design radiotherapy treatments.
The LINAC Replacement Project received $8.2 million in grant funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Replacement of the LINACs occurred in two stages over a 12-month period, with the unit operating a single bunker over extended hours each day to continue to provide timely care to patients while the works were completed.
With the upgrade now complete, the number of patients treated in a single day is expected to rise by around 50 per cent, from approximately 40 patients a day to 60 patients a day.
Additional improvements to the treatment rooms include sequenced lighting panels on the ceiling which indicate when select patients are in the correct position for treatment, as well as new artworks selected through a collaborative patient survey.
In late 2024, the unit also introduced a new stereotactic radiotherapy treatment program for prostate cancer patients, reducing the standard number of treatment sessions from 20 to five for eligible patients.
This shorter treatment program means fewer visits to the hospital for the patient, and also benefits the unit overall, with more sessions available to treat additional patients.
Nothing but the best for Lismore
‘These upgrades will ensure that cancer services in Northern NSW remain at the forefront of the latest technology and innovation,’ said Dr Carmen Hansen, Director of Radiation Oncology, NNSWLHD.
‘The North Coast Cancer Institute in Lismore has a strong reputation of leading the way in providing patients with high-quality healthcare right here in regional NSW, and these improvements will ensure patients continue to benefit from the very best care closer to home.’
Stephen Manley, Director Cancer Services and Innovation, NNSWLHD, said ‘Our cancer centres at Lismore Base Hospital and Tweed Valley Hospital provide care which is on par with the best in the country, and this latest suite of improvements will further enhance the care and experience we provide to our patients.
‘I’d like to thank our entire team of radiation oncologists, registrars, radiation therapists, oncology nurses, medical physicists, allied health and administration staff for their collaborative work to support the installation of this state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
‘I also want to thank our incredible staff for their continued efforts over the past 12 months to minimise waiting times by operating across extended hours and working closely with other cancer services in the region to triage patients when and where needed.’
More information on cancer services and support can be found on the NNSWLHD website at this link.
