GenesisCare Albury Wodonga welcomes third highly advanced treatment machine
Patients to benefit from rapid access to world-class care
Albury, New South Wales – Local cancer patients on the Victorian-New South Wales border will have improved access to highly advanced radiation therapy treatments and techniques, thanks to the arrival of an additional treatment machine recently installed at GenesisCare Albury Wodonga.
In the lead up to World Cancer Day, GenesisCare has announced the successful installation of its third treatment machine which will be used to meet the increased demand for high quality cancer services in the local region. GenesisCare will also expand its team locally to service the new technology, bringing on new radiation therapists and support staff to deliver world-class care to its patients.
The installation of the technology coincides with World Cancer Day, which is marked annually on 4 February. The 2022 theme “Close the Care Gap” focuses on raising awareness of the equity gap that affects many individuals and communities, potentially costing the lives of those impacted by cancer.
The additional Varian TrueBeam™ linear accelerator machine at the purpose-built Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre (AWRCC) will significantly increase the centre’s capacity to treat local cancer patients.
According to Senior Medical Physicist at GenesisCare Victoria, Emma Dyce, “The installation of a third treatment machine will help us expand all of our treatment programs, including our stereotactic service which minimises the number of trips patients are required to make into the centre.”
“There is quite a long complex process involved when you are installing a new radiation therapy machine and the entire team here in Albury/Wodonga has really gone above and beyond the last few months to make sure the installation ran smoothly,” continued Emma.
“One of the great things about the new linear accelerator is that has the same beam control as our other two linear accelerators which means they are all integrated and patients can be treated on any one of the three machines.”
GenesisCare Albury Wodonga Centre Lead Joan Schroen said: “At GenesisCare, we are committed to ensuring all cancer patients receive access to the highest standards of care close to home, regardless of where they live.”
“It is very timely for us to be here celebrating the third treatment machine today, ahead of World Cancer Day later this week, which this year focuses on the steps and actions we can all take to close the care gap for cancer patients in Australia and across the globe,” said Ms Schroen.
“GenesisCare is dedicated to closing the cancer care gap between cities and regional areas. The additional world-class treatment machine will ensure more patients are able to access the treatment they need without having to travel.”
“To accommodate the third treatment machine, we have hired several new positions, including a fantastic passionate radiation therapist who has already really hit the ground running,” said Ms Schroen.
“We truly have an incredibly passionate, hardworking and empathetic team at GenesisCare and the Albury Wodonga Cancer Centre and they have all worked extremely hard to make this third treatment machine a reality.”
Emma Poland, Chief Operating Officer, Albury Wodonga Health, said: “Albury Wodonga Health is delighted to work alongside GenesisCare to provide improved cancer care to the region.”
“Our goal is to increase the range and complexity of local health care services, so patients no longer need to travel for care.”
“This is just one of the many initiatives helping to “Close the Care Gap” and provide equity in access for health services in regional Australia.”
