South Coast Cancer Network - Illawarra and Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centres
Location
The south coast cancer network incorporates two comprehensive cancer centres situated on the south eastern coast of NSW.
The Illawarra Cancer Care Centre commenced clinical operations in 1991 serving a population of approximately 400,000 in the Illawarra and adjacent regions. The centre is situated on the Wollongong Hospital site which overlooks the surrounding escarpment and coastline. The Illawarra region is situated on a beautiful coastal strip within an hour's drive of Sydney's International Airport. The region offers an excellent family lifestyle on the coast.
The Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre is currently in the design phase and will be situated on the Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital site in Nowra. The centre will overlook the beautiful Shoalhaven River and surrounding areas. Clinical operation is scheduled to commence in 2013.
The current network expansion (2010) includes construction of a 3rd bunker on the Wollongong site and a 2 bunker facility on the Shoalhaven campus. Each site will offer a full range of services for the cancer patient including state-of-the-art radiation therapy, chemotherapy, haematological oncology, pharmacy, allied health services, palliative care, psychosocial services, and patient support groups. There will also be self-caring accommodation for patients and their families who are required to travel long distances for treatment.
Equipment
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2 Varian Dual Energy Linear Accelerators equipped with DMLC, EPI, EDW, IMRT
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Energy range 6/10Mv with Electron energies 6, 9, 12, 16, 20MeV
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Siemens Sensation Open Large Bore Oncology Scanner dedicated to on-site virtual simulation for all cases with respiratory gating for lung patients
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Varian ARIA Oncology Information System for electronic cancer record
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Phillips Oncology Systems Pinnacle 3D Treatment Planning System, incorporating 6 clients, remote P3PC access, IMRT, Syntegra
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Gulmay D3300 Superficial / Orthovoltage Unit 75-250kV
Specialist Oncology Staff
- 5 Radiation Oncologists
- 4 Radiation Oncology Registrars
- 24 Radiation Therapists
- 15 Nursing Staff
- 4 Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists
- 3 Trainee Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists
- 1 Oncology Information System Administrator
- 1 Cancer Specific Clinical Psychologist
- 1 Cancer Genetics Counsellor
- Clinical Trials Unit
- Allied Health and Support Services
Hours
- Typical patient treatment hours are 7:30 to 16:30.
- The radiation therapy staff work 35 hours per week via a 9-day fortnight
- The radiation oncology medical physics staff work 38 hours per week via a 19-day month
- A 24-hour emergency treatment service is available as required
Workload / Casemix
- Illawarra Cancer Care Centre treats approximately 1000 megavoltage and 150 kilovoltage patients each year.
- Approximately 35% of new patients are breast, 25% Prostate, 20% Lung and 10% Head and Neck.
- IMRT is the standard of care for all Head and Neck, breast, gynae and rectum presentations
Research and Future Developments
- IMRT utilisation is currently being investigated for other treatment sites where clinical benefit is achievable.
- Staff are encouraged to have their own research projects, with guidance provided through the radiation oncology research group. This includes collaborations with Universities and other centres of research. Strong research and teaching ties exist between the physics team and the Centre for Medical Radiation physics at the University of Wollongong
- The centre participates in a number of national and international clinical trials.
- All staff are actively encouraged and supported to attend conferences, seminars, workshops and training courses with a focus on continuing professional development for both the individual and the department.
- Further development of IGRT and Gating are underway.
- An electronic cancer record environment has been partially completed with further plans for a comprehensive paper-less record in place.
Contacts
Dr Chris Fox
Staff Specialist
Ph: +61 2 4222 5200
Email: Christopher.Fox@SESIAHS.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
Anthony Arnold
Chief Radiation Therapist
Ph: +61 2 4222 5735
Email: anthony.arnold@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Martin Carolan
Chief Radiation Oncology Medical Physicist
Ph: +61 2 4222 5710
Email: martin.carolan@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au