The Auction Radiation Oncology (ARO), located at the MercyAscot Hospital in the Auckland suburb of Epsom is reportedly the first private sector radiation therapy facility in New Zealand.
Established as a partnership between MercyAscot and South Cross Hospitals, the $20 million facility became operational in November 2008. It was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister John Key on February 19, 2009 in the presence of Health Minister Tony Ryall, ARO chairman and MercyAscot chief executive Andrew Wong, Clinical Director Dr Chellaraj Benjamin, Southern Cross Health Trust chief executive Terry Moore and prominent medical practitioners.
It is close to services treating cancer including radiology, laboratory, consulting suites, chemotherapy and pharmacy, and has ample parking for patients.
The state-of-the-art centre boasts of the Elekta Synergy Radiation Therapy System with ‘Mosaiq’ electronic medical records, and is stated to be the first of its type in New Zealand to treat cancer. Equipped with an Elekta Synergy Linear Accelerator, the system combines high resolution 3D imaging and comprehensive workflow solutions to create a sophisticated Image Guided Radiation Therapy treatment.
The Centre also has Elekta Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) technique, the first of its type in New Zealand.
While the lengthy waiting list makes it difficult for cancer patients and those keen on diagnosis to access the public health system, such private facilities are a boon.
However, they are expensive and beyond the affordability of most New Zealanders.
The solution therefore is in health insurance.
We hope to publish a feature on health insurers and brokers for the benefit of our readers in an ensuing issue.
Photo :Mr Key, Mr Ryall, Mr Moore and Dr Benjamin witnessing a demonstration of the treatment process at the Auckland Radiation Oncology Clinic at the MercyAscot Hospital on February 19, 2009.
