AN Australian first in cancer treatment at Redlands will see patients cared for locally without having to travel to Brisbane hospitals.
The Redlands Radiation Oncology Centre, set up opposite Redland Hospital, opened earlier this year to provide radiation therapy services.
It is home to Australia’s first Veritas bunker technology, a modular space saving solution which allows for radiation gear to be used without the need for a major protective concrete structure to be built.
Usually radiation oncology needs large concrete bunkers to make the process safe for hospital staff and visitors.
This technology which uses lead-infused block work to provide radiation shielding without a large physical footprint.
RROC is owned and operated by Icon Group, a commercial provider.
The Redlands centre also includes a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator that delivers precision radiation which, according to radiation therapist and manager Belinda Petherick, was a major advance on older more inaccurate treatment.
Icon group chief executive Mark Middleton said spending less time travelling to and from appointments while undergoing treatment reduced stress for patients.
“Not having the burden of travelling can make a world of difference to cancer patients already going through an emotional time,” Mr Middleton said.
Victoria Point resident and breast cancer patient Elizabeth Bass was the first to use the centre.
Ms Bass said having the treatment locally had made a big difference.
“I can come here (to the medical hub opposite the hospital) and have everything done that I need,’’ she said.
“It’s made it so much easier and I don’t feel like I am being processed.’’
Ms Bass was first diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2013 and has had to have radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
At the time, there were no radiation oncology services in the Redlands, so she had to travel into Brisbane.
Three years later she was diagnosed with cancer in the other breast.
“The biggest thing for me this latest time around is not having to travel,’’ she said.
“… The thought of it is daunting, so I was extremely pleased to hear I was going to be able to have all my cancer treatment locally.’’
Bowman MP Andrew Laming said the facility provided access to the best cancer treatment for people no matter where they lived.
“The centre is a huge benefit to the whole community and I’m excited to see the technology that’s made the establishment possible,’’ Mr Laming said.