en.Wedoany.com Reported - New Zealand has established a new radiation oncology facility at Whangārei Hospital, which is expected to initially treat approximately 370 patients per year, significantly reducing the long-distance travel for Northlanders who previously had to go to Auckland for radiotherapy.

Health Minister Simeon Brown stated that previously, many patients in the Northland region had to travel to Auckland for radiotherapy, covering round trips of 320 to 620 kilometers, spanning the area from Whangārei to Kaitaia. With the new facility in operation, 80% of the 450 patients who previously traveled to Auckland each year will be able to receive treatment in Whangārei, while those requiring more complex care can continue to access specialist services in Auckland when necessary.

Brown noted that this NZ$60.9 million service introduces the first linear accelerator (LINAC) in the Northland region, enabling local radiotherapy for the first time. The radiation oncology facility includes a shielded room for the LINAC, a shielded room reserved for future needs, a radiation oncology planning CT scanner, and an expansion of the Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre.

The service will be supported by a team of 35 staff members, including 26 new positions. Starting in 2027, it will also serve as a training and internship site for radiation therapists. The facility has the capacity to expand over time.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com