New specialist cancer services are set to be delivered on the Sunshine Coast, with a major investment enabling more patients to access precise, targeted treatment closer to home.
The $2.3 million boost will enable Sunshine Coast University Hospital to treat gynaecological and prostate cancers, among others.
A new portable Cone Beam CT scanner is included in the expansion, designed specifically for brachytherapy and enabling clinicians to deliver safer, highly precise treatment in real time while a patient is under anaesthetic, removing the need to be moved throughout the hospital for medical imaging which can impact the treatment.
Funded through the Queensland Technology Future Fund, the machine supports the first and only service in the Southern Hemisphere capable of providing real-time applicator insertion and treatment delivery during the same procedure.
Brachytherapy delivers radiation directly to the cancer site, minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissue while delivering highly targeted treatment with strong clinical outcomes.
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The expanded service is expected to treat 40 to 80 patients annually initially and numbers are anticipated to grow as more patients from north of the Sunshine Coast choose to receive treatment in the region.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the state government was working to strengthen cancer care across the state.
“Innovations like this demonstrate the importance of investing in modern technology and expanding specialist services for regional Queenslanders,” he said.
“Access to shorter courses of advanced cancer treatment, without needing to regularly commute to Brisbane, can make an enormous difference for patients and their families during what is often an already challenging time.
“This kind of innovation reflects the direction we want to see across Queensland’s health system, using modern technology and highly skilled clinicians to deliver better care closer to home.
“The Queensland Cancer Plan and the future Queensland Cancer Centre, will build a state wide network of specialist cancer hubs so more Queenslanders can access world-class screening, diagnosis and treatment without needing to travel long distances.”
Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie said the government was continuing to deliver health initiatives.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of our fastest growing regions and every new and improved service we deliver to this area means more patients can receive world-class care closer to home, without needing to travel to Brisbane,” he said.
Sunshine Coast Health chief executive Dr Peter Gillies said the service expansion strengthened cancer care capability for the region.
“This expansion is part of our broader strategy to build comprehensive cancer services locally and support our community with world-class care,” he said.
“It also strengthens our ability to attract and retain highly skilled clinicians, while providing accredited training opportunities across radiation oncology, urology, nursing and allied health.”
Sunshine Coast Health senior medical officer Dr Dinesh Vignarajah said brachytherapy was a well-established and important component of modern cancer care.
“Brachytherapy allows radiation to be delivered to a small, very specific area of the body with high precision.”
“This expanded service will make a real difference to patients by providing care close to home, with shorter treatment courses, improved outcomes and continuity of care.”
