Calvary Mater Newcastle, Department of Radiation Oncology, Newcastle
Located in Waratah, a suburb of Newcastle, the Calvary Mater is only 5 minutes away from the University of Newcastle. The University is one of two major training institutions for Radiation Therapists in NSW. Links between the two institutions are strong, with resources shared to the benefit of all. The Department of Radiation Oncology is one of the largest and busiest in NSW, employing friendly and highly motivated staff, supported by a continuing professional development program and support for higher education.
Location
The Hospital is located 1½ hours north of Sydney, 10 minutes from excellent sandy beaches and world-class surf, and 30 minutes from renowned vineyards. Canberra, the Blue Mountains and the snowfields are an easy weekend away. The temperate climate and ideal surroundings make a wonderful place to work.
The cost of living is much lower than in Sydney, whilst the choice of lifestyle is not limited. Coastal, city or country living can all be experienced within easy driving distance and with no traffic congestion.
Equipment
The equipment includes five Varian Linear Accelerators (three 21IX and two 21EX, all with 120 leaf MLC, enhanced dynamic wedges, electronic portal imaging, photons and electrons; three with OBI; two with cone beam CT; one stereotactic ready); Toshiba large bore CT and GE Lightspeed RT CT; Eclipse planning computer; Gulmay superficial / orthovoltage unit; Nucletron HDR Brachytherapy Unit with a dedicated Oncentra planning system; and full mould room facilities. The department is fully networked with the ARIA patient administration system.
Future Developments
Stereotactic treatments, Rapid Arc and respiratory gating will be implemented in late 2011.
Staff
The Department of Radiation Oncology has an establishment of 8 Radiation Oncologists, 6 Registrars, 41 FTE Radiation Therapists (RTs) including a dedicated RT Educator, 9 Physicists, 2 Physics Trainees, 1 Medical Physics Technician, 3 Biomedical Technicians, and 5.6 Nurses. It enjoys the services of all the Allied Health professionals including social work, dietetics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, palliative care and pastoral care. We also employ professional development year graduate RTs in supernumerary positions.
Hours of Operation
The department is open from 8am to 4.45pm, five days per week, while the Radiation Therapists work a 70 hour, 9 day fortnight
Caseload
There are approximately 1,450 new patient treatment and 350 re-treatment courses per year.
Research, Education and Professional Development
A comprehensive in-service program involves all department staff and all staff are encouraged to participate in the CPD, Training and Research forums. The department employs a dedicated research radiation therapist and physicist to encourage and assist with research within the department. The Department of is integrated with the CCRR (Centre for Clinical Radiation Research), and the head office of TROG (Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group) is located in the Hospital, therefore the department is heavily involved in local, national and international trials.
The Department also has a successful and very active medical physics research group. The group consists of a full-time Research Physicist, two post doctoral fellows, three PhD students and five MSc students. Current research projects include EPID dosimetry, CBCT, MRI based prostate radiotherapy and brachytherapy dosimetry. The RT Educator assists staff in fulfilling their professional development goals and they also run excellent orientation and education programs. New equipment or techniques are always introduced with a training program for all staff, and all policies, procedures and staff skill levels are reviewed regularly and refresher courses run as required.
Contacts
Department of Radiation Oncology
Calvary Mater Newcastle
Locked Bag 7
HUNTER REGIONAL MAIL CENTRE NSW 2310
Ph: +61 2 4014 3627
Dr Anne Capp
Director, Radiation Oncology
Email: Anne.Capp@mater.health.nsw.gov.au
Karen Jovanovic
Chief Radiation Therapist
Email: karen.jovanovic@mater.health.nsw.gov.au
Kym Nitschke
Chief Physicist
Email: kym.nitschke@mater.health.nsw.gov.au
Last updated July 2011