Cancer services — Waikato
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waikato cancer services include radiation oncology, medical oncology, peritonectomy, haematology, palliative care, inpatient services and clinical nurse specialists.
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Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is part of the Waikato Regional Cancer Centre. We serve a wide geographical area including patients from Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Tairāwhiti. It is one of 9 radiation therapy departments in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Contact us
To contact the radiation therapy department:
- phone: 07 839 8604
Where to find us
The radiation therapy department is at:
Regional Cancer Centre
Level 1
Lomas Building
Waikato Hospital
We operate Monday to Friday (including most public holidays) and have a limited after hours on-call service.
Services we provide
Our services are primarily used for treating cancer patients, but radiation therapy can be an effective form of treatment for several other health conditions.
We aim to provide excellent patient-focused care that results in a positive experience for people.
We utilise modern radiation therapy techniques including VMAT, SABR and SRT to deliver treatments in line with international best practice guidelines. Our image guided systems (kV, CBCT and MV Imaging) ensure accuracy with position verification. The department has a strong involvement in clinical trials and research, allowing us to keep up to date with best practice
Radiation therapy at Waikato Hospital
Kia ora — welcome to Waikato Regional Cancer Centre.
Our department provides radiation therapy as one of the options in the treatment of cancer.
We treat thousands of patients annually.
The first time you attend the radiation oncology department, you'll meet someone like myself, a radiation oncologist or medical specialist treating cancer patients using radiotherapy.
We will explain to you in this first session about your diagnosis.
We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having radiotherapy as part of your overall treatment package.
We'll explain the procedures before, during, and after treatment and most likely side effects you will experience short and long-term.
We will offer you a good opportunity for questions, so everything is clear before you may consent for therapy.
Your radiation oncologist will oversee the steps of your journey all the way.
The first step of this process is to have a CT simulation, which is located on Level 1 of the Lomas Building.
When you arrive, please check in with the receptionist and then take a seat.
The CT simulator is a special scan that is used to take pictures inside your body.
It is not a diagnostic scan and isn't used to provide additional information about your diagnosis.
However, this scan is used by the radiation therapists to design your treatment plan.
The radiation therapist will greet you, confirming your address and phone number.
They will also explain the CT procedures and preparation required before the scan.
You will also be asked if you have a pacemaker or any metal in your body.
If you are a female patient, please notify staff if you think you could be pregnant.
Any garments covering the area being scanned will need to be removed.
A sheet will be provided to cover you up.
You will be asked to lie on the CT couch.
Your radiation therapist will direct you into a position that is stable and tailored to your treatment.
Various devices may be used to stabilise your position.
Equipment will depend on the area of the body that is being scanned.
These can include:
- head and neck board
- tilt up breast board
- customised vac bag.
Lights will be dimmed and laser lights that project from the wall will be used to get you in a straight and reproducible position.
Pen marks will be drawn on your skin or shell.
Wire markers are then placed on these to highlight them.
For some setups, a device may be placed on your chest to monitor breathing.
Once you are in the correct position, you will move through the CT scanner.
The couch moves in and out of the scanner, it will not touch you at any time.
The radiation therapists operate the scanner from the console.
They can see you through the glass window and speak to you over the speaker.
At the completion of the scan, photos of your position will be taken.
Permanent dot tattoos may be given to aid in positioning daily treatment.
A sterile needle is used to gently prick the skin and excess ink is cleaned off.
Information from the scan is used to plan your treatment.
The process can take up to a few weeks depending on how complex your plan is.
The receptionist will then notify you by email, letter or a phone call when your treatment will start.
Using the information obtained from the CT scan, an individual plan is produced.
A 'target volume' is determined on the computer planning system.
There are many different techniques that we can use to plan your treatment.
These are some of them.
We calculate the best method and beam arrangement for the dose of radiation to be delivered to the 'target volume', while at the same time avoiding as much normal tissue as possible.
Time is required for these planning calculations and checks to be done.
Treatment is started as soon as possible following the completion of this process.
Radiation therapy can be used alone or together with surgery or chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays which damage the DNA structure of cancer cells, and as a result, those damaged cancer cells are unable to divide and so it dies off.
Unfortunately, radiation also damages the DNA of normal tissue, but the cells in normal tissue are better at repairing radiation damage, and as a result, that allows us to give the radiation treatment safely.
Unlike chemotherapy, which affects the whole body, radiation treatment only affects the part of the body that's directly surrounding the treatment area.
The most common questions we get are whether the patient will be radioactive during or after their treatment, and fortunately, this is not the case, so you will be free to carry on with your daily activities as if you are not radioactive.
The radiation therapy machines are located on level B1 in the Lomas Building.
These machines are called Linear accelerators, and they deliver the radiation therapy treatment.
On your first day, check in with reception and then they will direct you to your treatment machine.
Place your appointment card on the counter, change into your hospital gown, and then take a seat in the waiting room.
You will be greeted by a radiation therapist, who will confirm your address and phone number.
They will then lead you into the treatment room.
They will enquire as to your wellbeing on that day before they proceed with your treatment.
You will be positioned in the same way you were at your CT scan.
The radiation therapists will make adjustments to align the laser lines to the tattoos or marks that were put on at CT.
Please do not help the staff unless asked, as adjustments are quite small.
The couch moves in several directions.
You will see lasers and lights go on and off.
RTs will then check your positioning using computer readouts, this helps to verify that you are in the correct position.
The machine will move around you, but it will not touch you at any time.
It is important that once you are in the correct position to stay as still as possible.
The radiation therapists must leave the room to deliver the radiation treatment.
You will hear a buzz as they leave.
You will be monitored from outside the room with cameras and an intercom system.
Robotic arms come out from the machine.
These may come close to you but not touch you.
This produces images of inside your body and is used to verify that we are in the correct spot.
The machine will move around you and switch on from different angles.
You will not feel or see the radiation, but you will hear a buzzing sound from the machine.
Radiation beams come out of the head of the machine.
The beams are shaped according to your personalised radiation plan.
At the completion of your treatment, the staff will enter the room and move the treatment couch out from under the machine head.
They will then lower the couch and assist you to get off.
If you are experiencing any side effects or changes to your body, please inform your radiation therapists and they can organise a review by the nurse.
Following your final treatment, a follow-up appointment will be made for you to see your radiation oncologist.
Sometimes this will be done by a phone call.
These follow-up appointments will continue for several years.
You may be requested to have further tests or scans done.
Prior to treatment
First specialist appointment
This appointment is when you will meet your radiation oncologist or radiation registrar who will:
- discuss your treatment options
- run you through the benefits and potential risks of radiation therapy
- answer any questions you may have.
This appointment will be on Level B1 of Lomas Building. Check in at reception.
Waikato Hospital map (internal link)
If you decide to have radiation therapy, a simulation appointment will be scheduled. You will be contacted with a date and time. This appointment may be scheduled directly after your FSA appointment if appropriate.
For a list of relevant questions you may wish to ask at your specialist appointment please visit the Cancer Society website.
Clinical trials for cancer treatment — Cancer Society (external link)
Simulation (CT planning scan)
Most patients require a CT planning scan prior to treatment.
The scan produces images of inside the body allowing the radiation oncologist to see exactly where to treat. This appointment will be on Level 1 of Lomas Building. Follow signs to Radiation — Simulation and Planning on Level 1.
The scan is painless and takes approximately 30 minutes. During the scan we create a position that we can reproduce on treatment and take lots of measurements. We may even create a device to help you stay still. It is important that you are as comfortable as possible and breathe normally unless told otherwise. Photos will also be taken to document your position.
At your CT scan, a radiation therapist may need to make permanent marks (small freckle sized tattoos) on your skin. These marks ensure that you are quickly and correctly positioned for treatment. The mark is made using a tiny pin prick under the skin with a small needle.
Scan preparation
Some people require extra preparation before their simulation — for example:
- bladder filling
- personalised immobilisation equipment.
If your scan requires extra preparation you will be informed by your radiation oncologist.
The process of making a shell for radiation therapy treatment — YouTube (external link)
Head and/or neck treatment
Many people having treatment to this area require an immobilisation mask to help keep them still.
After simulation
There is a gap between your simulation appointment and treatment start date.
This time (the planning phase) is used to produce a treatment plan specifically for you. The planning phase is usually between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on complexity and cancer type. For some, the gap may be much shorter and treatment may occur the same week as simulation.
Planning is the process of simulating how the radiation is going to be delivered, and the effect it is going to have inside your body. This involves using a highly sophisticated planning software system and review process, which means your treatment will be safe and as effective as possible.
You are not required to attend for the planning phase. You will receive a phone call and appointment letter in the mail from our administration team with your first radiotherapy appointment during this time.
During treatment
The number of radiation therapy treatments you receive and therefore the number of visits to the oncology department will depend on the total dose of radiation prescribed for you.
The majority of people are treated weekdays as an outpatient. A small number of people may require hospital admission.
You may experience side effects during your treatment.
Side effects of cancer and treatment — Cancer Society (external link)
Your first radiation therapy treatment
This appointment will be on Level B1 of Lomas Building.
Waikato Hospital map (internal link)
For your first treatment, arrive 15 to 20 minutes earlier than your appointment time so you can meet your radiation therapists and get ready. Some patients will need to do bladder and bowel preparation prior to their treatment, and may need to be in the department 60 to 90 mins prior to their treatment time.
When you arrive, check in with the receptionist who will direct you to your treatment unit.
Treatment units are colour coded for simplicity:
- green
- pink
- blue
- yellow.
A radiation therapist will discuss your treatment and what to expect prior to treatment being delivered. This is a perfect opportunity to ask any questions.
You will be given appointment times for the week ahead every Friday.
It is normal to feel anxious on your first day of treatment. The treatment team are here to support you should you have any concerns. We will let you know what to expect at every stage so you can feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible about your treatment.
It is likely you will be asked to change into a gown or trousers.
In the treatment room
For treatment you need to be in the same position as when you had your CT scan. Each day, two radiation therapists will take a few minutes positioning you on the treatment bed.
Your radiation treatment will be painless and non-invasive. Relax, keep still, and breathe normally unless told otherwise.
The total amount of time spent in the treatment room is approximately 10 to 20 minutes, but your first treatment will take slightly longer as a series of day one checks are performed.
There may be a student present. The treatment team will check with you to ensure you are comfortable having them involved.
Treatment delivery
Once you are positioned correctly the radiation therapists will leave the room. Staff always watch you on closed circuit cameras and can communicate via an intercom system if necessary. We can hear you and see you at all times throughout your treatment. If you need assistance at any point through your treatment just wave your hand or call out and we will come straight in.
The treatment team take x-ray images to verify you are in the correct position. If we need to make any adjustments we can come back into the room to do this, or the treatment bed can be moved very slightly from the control area outside.
During treatment you will not feel or see anything. The treatment unit does not touch you but it does make a buzzing noise.
It is important that you remain relaxed and still during treatment. Please do not move until a radiation therapist tells you that your treatment is complete.
Additional care during treatment
During a course of treatment you will have additional appointments to see your radiation oncologist. We endeavour to co-ordinate these with your treatment times.
These appointments will be on Level B1 of Lomas Building — the same level as the treatment units.
Waikato Hospital map (internal link)
The department also has specialist nurses, dietitians, and other health professionals who can support you during your treatment.
After treatment
The effects of radiation treatment accumulates, which means your side effects may get worse for up to 2 weeks after your course of treatment is complete. After this point, they should gradually subside.
Staff will educate you about continued management of these side effects in your final few days of radiation treatment.
Follow-up appointment
Once you have completed radiation therapy treatment you will be given a follow-up appointment with your radiation oncologist or registrar.
The appointment may be shortly after your last treatment but is often 4 to 6 weeks after finishing.
Before a follow-up appointment, you may be required to have blood tests or scans.
At this appointment the oncologist or registrar will assess how the radiation treatment has gone and may ask to see you again in the future.
Support
Your radiation therapy team works closely with support services to care for all your needs. These services include:
- chaplains
- clinical nurse specialists
- interpreters
- oncology dietitian
- palliative care
- physiotherapists and occupational therapists
- smoking cessation
- social workers
- psycho-social support services
- speech-language therapists
- Te Puna Oranga | Māori Health Service.
The Cancer Society also has a range of support services.
Support we offer — Cancer Society (external link)
There are many ways to get to you appointment at Waikato Hospital.
Public transport
Information about public transport options are on the Waikato Hospital page.
How to get to Waikato Hospital (internal link)
Drop off and pick up points
The Transit Lounge is the closest drop off point to the radiation therapy department.
To get to the Transit Lounge, follow Hague Road until you reach the roundabout, turn left into Lomas Lane and follow signs to Transit Lounge (there is drop-off / pick up zone directly outside).
There is seating and bathroom facilities in the transit lounge so it is a good place to wait if you are being dropped off before or picked up after your appointment or treatment.
Personal transport
If you are travelling a significant distance or making regular trips to the hospital you may be entitled to a reimbursement for your travel expenses.
See the National Travel Assistance Scheme page for more information.
National Travel Assistance (internal link)
Parking at Waikato Hospital for your radiation therapy treatment
We recommend parking in the Hague Road car park. Enter Hospital Gate 1 (off Pembroke Street) onto Hague Road. The car park building (on your left) is well signposted.
From the car park building it is a short walk to the radiation therapy department. Follow the signs directing you to the Lomas building.
There are weekly parking vouchers available to you, please see reception for these or ask your radiation therapist.
Watch a video about where to park for your appointment at Waikato Hospital:
How to get here from the Waikato Hospital carpark — YouTube (external link)
Lions Lodge shuttle
Watch a video about taking the Cancer Society's Lions Lodge shuttle to Waikato Hospital for your treatment:
Getting here from the Lions Cancer Lodge — YouTube (external link)
Community health shuttles / Transport Services
Some towns outside Hamilton offer a daily health shuttle service to the hospital campus.
These include (but are not limited to) shuttles from Thames, Te Awamutu, Matamata, Morrinsville, Raglan, and Rotorua.
Cancer Society Volunteer Drivers
The Cancer Society provides a service to those who live locally and cannot arrange transport to and from medical appointments.
A shuttle service is available for guests at the Lions Cancer Lodge in Hamilton.
Contact Cancer Society NZ:
- Phone: 0800 227 744
- Email: sueworth@cancersociety.org.nz
- Website: Transport to treatment — Cancer Society NZ (external link)
Cancer Society's Lions Lodge
The Cancer Society's Lions Lodge is near Waikato Hospital and offers relaxing and friendly accommodation to patients while they are undergoing cancer treatment.
The lodge is a free facility, providing meals and support for people who have to travel for treatment each day.
Cancer Society's Lions Lodge, Hamilton — Cancer Society (external link)
Te Whare Taurima
Short term, low cost accommodation for people who are supporting patients at the hospital. Priority is given to families living more than 100km from the hospital. Managed under a kaupapa Māori philosophy but open to everyone.
More information about Te Whare Taurima is in the facilities section on the Waikato Hospital page.
Waikato Hospital facilities (internal link)
Other nearby accommodation
- Argent Motor Lodge — phone (freephone): 0800 275 676
- Abbey Motel — phone (freephone): 0800 99 88 99
- Astra Motor Lodge — phone (freephone): 0800 427 872
- YWCA Hamilton Hostel and backpacker accommodation — phone: 07 834 0094