New cancer centre opens in Taranaki, NZ

The facility features the region’s Linear Accelerator for radiation therapy.

A new cancer centre has opened in Taranaki, according to New Zealand Health Minister Simeon Brown.

The $31.6m (NZ$56.1m) facility features the region’s Linear Accelerator for radiation therapy.

“Up to 80 per cent of radiation treatments can now be delivered locally, with only one planning visit required outside the region,” Brown said.

The centre has also expanded access to chemotherapy, which is now available five days a week instead of four.

The facility includes 10 chemotherapy chairs, eight outpatient family rooms with video-conferencing, two isolation rooms, and dedicated family spaces.

NZ$1 = $0.56