Calvary Mater Newcastle
Radiation oncology
Calvary Mater Newcastle’s Department of Radiation Oncology is NSW’s largest regional specialist radiation therapy centre. We offer world-class radiation therapy using precision technology to deliver the best available treatment to you.
The department is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of Radiation Oncologists, Radiation Therapists, Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists, Nursing, Allied Health, Clerical and Domestic services personnel, who work together to ensure you receive the best possible care and treatment.
About radiation oncology
We aim to make your cancer treatment as smooth as possible. You will benefit from no waiting time, no gap payment, access to a range of complementary health services, convenient parking and onsite accommodation.
No waiting time
Generally, there is no waiting time above the normal time required for administration and accurate planning of your treatment. On occasions we may be very busy and there may be a longer wait before starting treatment. If this situation arises, your Radiation Oncologist will discuss your options with you.
Free treatment
There is no gap payment – your treatment is fully covered by Medicare or Veteran Affairs. Your only expenses may be related to travel and accommodation if this is needed. There may also be a cost if you require dietary supplements or additional medications. If you are experiencing any financial hardship please ask to see one of our Social Workers who may be able to help.
Access to all Allied Health services
Allied Health services include Social Work, Nutrition and Dietetics, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Psychology. These services are provided free of charge and are available onsite.
Free, convenient parking
We have a dedicated car park for people who are attending daily Radiation Oncology treatment. There is no charge for this car park. It is conveniently located adjacent to the Department of Radiation Oncology. The car park is on the same level as the department and has reserved spaces for people with a disability.
Onsite accommodation
If you have to travel a long way to have your radiation treatment you may qualify to stay in a room in the ‘Villas’, our onsite accommodation. Due to the high demand for these rooms, they are allocated on a needs basis. The majority of the cost is usually covered by the state government’s Isolated Patient Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS).
Information about your treatment
You will receive information by mail once your first appointment to see a Radiation Oncologist is made. This will usually include Cancer Council brochures and a DVD showing you around our department and answering some of your questions. You will receive further information when you attend your initial appointment in the department. Our staff will explain what to expect during treatment, including any side effects and how to deal with them.
Calvary Mater Newcastle is equipped with the latest technology for the provision of both simple and advanced treatments.
The Department of Radiation Oncology has installed a state of the art MRI Simulator unit – a first in this region. This will enable us to incorporate the superior soft tissue identification in the treatment planning for a wide variety of cancers. Being co-located within the department, this will also cut down travel times for patients. Apart from being used to enhance the current treatment planning, it opens up new areas for research.
One of our treatment units (Varian TrueBeam STx ®) has been designed for stereotactic treatments. It combines powerful imaging with high dose-rate radiation and precision targeting to provide non-invasive radio-surgical treatment options; stereotactic radiotherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy. Using high doses and precision targeting means treatment may take only a few days to complete instead of weeks.
The department also has a newly installed superficial machine that is used for treating skin cancers, this being one of the first in Australia. The ease of use and its ability to allow a wide range of positions enables better patient comfort and experience.
We are committed to coordinating and participating in clinical trials. Patients who are having Radiation Therapy at Calvary Mater Newcastle might be eligible to participate in one or more clinical trials being conducted onsite.
The department runs several studies both locally, nationally and internationally, and was one of the founding members of the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG), a global leader in radiotherapy research.
For information regarding the type of clinical trials being conducted, please contact:
- Sarah Gallagher, Senior Clinical Research Coordinator
- Telephone: 02 4014 3949
The department has a strong culture of research, innovation and quality assurance, enabling us to continuously improve treatments and the experiences of patients and their families.
Apart from contributing to the advancement of treatments, we are also quick to adopt new treatment regimes for the benefit of our patients.
Radiation Therapy Treatment
- Following referral from your GP or specialist, you will have an appointment with one of our Radiation Oncologists. The majority of our patients attend as outpatients – this initial consultation will be held in the Medical Centre. If you are admitted to hospital, the Radiation Oncologist will see you on the ward.
- The Radiation Oncologist will discuss treatment options with you. If you decide to proceed with radiation therapy you will be asked to sign a consent form. An appointment to attend for CT simulation will be made and you will be notified of this appointment by telephone, usually within two working days of your initial appointment.
- CT simulation occurs in our department on a CT scanner. The CT scan is used by the Radiation Oncologist to accurately identify the region of your body that requires treatment. If any preparation for the scan is required this will be discussed with you when you receive your appointment. Radiation Therapists will position you on the bed and reference marks and measurements will be made so that your position can be accurately reproduced for each of your treatment visits. You will then have a CT scan performed. This appointment can take between 15 minutes and one hour depending on what is required. At the end of this appointment you will be given your first treatment appointment.
- One of our nurses will see you, either before or after your scan, to give you more information, particularly about caring for yourself while on treatment and how to prevent and manage any side effects. Please ask if you have questions.
- Your treatment is planned and quality checked by Radiation Therapists in conjunction with your Radiation Oncologist and the Medical Physicists. This process can take up to two weeks, occasionally longer: You will not need to attend our department during this time. The high skill level of your health care team plus our advanced quality assurance processes ensure that your treatment is designed and delivered very accurately using the latest technology and techniques.
- On your first day of treatment delivery you will receive more information from our Nurses and Radiation Therapists. They will check that you understood the information given previously, explain what will happen during treatment and answer any questions you may have.
- Your treatment is delivered by the Radiation Therapists. You will be positioned in the same position as you were in the CT scanner. For each appointment the treatment will usually take between 15 and 45 minutes depending on several factors including imaging (x-rays). Images of the treatment site are taken to confirm the accurate positioning of the treatment. The frequency of imaging depends on the treatment technique. When images are taken they will be checked before the treatment begins. This can add a few minutes to the time you are on the bed. The Radiation Therapists will explain this to you at the time.
- You will need to attend for treatment over several visits, any number from 1 to 39. Your Radiation Oncologist will discuss this with you when you first see them. The remainder of your appointment times will be given to you (as a printed list) on your first day of treatment. Whilst we try not to change appointments, sometimes it is unavoidable. We will always give you a revised printed list and explain the circumstances.
- You have access to all Allied Health services while in our care. These services are free and are available either in the department or in the hospital. Referrals may be made automatically because we have found excellent ways to support you through your treatment. You can ask to see one of the team at any time.
- Your progress and health will be monitored closely throughout your treatment by your team. You will have regular appointments with your doctor, nurse and allied health professionals and ample time to discuss any issues you may have. You are welcome to have a family member or friend accompany and support you during your visits.
- At the end of your course of treatment you will be given a follow-up appointment with either your Radiation Oncologist or with the referring doctor or specialist.
We hope that this information has been useful to you. If you have any questions please get in touch or ask any member of staff during your next visit. We are here to help you and to make your experience as comfortable and easy as possible.
If you have any suggestions to improve this website or any part of our service, please let a staff member know.
How long does each treatment take? | The time it takes to treat you varies from person to person, depending on the area to be treated. Generally the first treatment takes the longest, usually about 20 minutes. Subsequent treatments may then take about 10 minutes. The radiation is only turned on for one or two minutes, with the majority of the time spent positioning you and in checking measurements. A course of treatment can take anything up to seven weeks depending on the diagnosis. |
Is the treatment painful? | No, you will not feel the treatment. You will hear some noises as the machine switches on and off. |
What are the side effects of treatment? | Side effects vary considerably and depend on the area of the body being treated and the amount of radiation given. Two people having the same treatment may react differently, while some people have no side effects. Reactions can also vary from one course of radiation treatment to the next. The type and severity of the side effects has nothing to do with the success of your treatment. You will receive information specific to you from your doctor, nurse or radiation therapist. |
Will I be radioactive after treatment? | External radiation therapy does not make you radioactive. It is safe to be with other people during your course of treatment and afterwards. |
When will I see the doctor? | On your first day of treatment you will be given your appointments to see the doctor. The nurse is also available to see you. Please ask the reception staff and they will call the nurse for you. |
How much does radiation treatment cost? | You will have no out-of-pocket expenses as Medicare and/or the Department of Veteran’s Affairs covers the cost of the treatment. |
What follow up will I receive? | Towards the end of your course of treatment you will see your doctor who will decide on your follow-up care. Your follow-up care will depend on the other doctors involved in your care and your specific needs. |
Radiation oncology team
The radiation oncology team at Calvary Mater Newcastle has a diverse range of specialist staff to assist you through your treatment plan.
As well as your radiation oncologist, you will also see a number of other specialty health care staff who are there to advise and care for you throughout your cancer treatment.
Radiation oncologists
Our radiation oncologists are specialist trained doctors in the field of radiotherapy. We use cutting-edge technology and work closely with your medical care team to coordinate the best treatment plan for you.
They are a professional medical team who are also world class researchers leading the way with trials that continue to inform and improve patient care. Our doctors work in partnership with the University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and national and international peak bodies in their specialty fields of medicine, continuing to advance both research locally and globally.
Radiation therapists are medical radiation practitioners, who are specialists trained in radiation therapy.
You will meet our radiation therapists throughout most stages of your treatment. You may be required to attend a planning CT and/or MRI scan after which a small team of radiation therapists will perform the planning of your treatment using specialised planning computers to optimise your treatment plan.
When your treatment plan is prepared and approved by your treating radiation oncologist, you will be offered a course of treatment. Getting to know your team of treating radiation therapists will be easy; they not only deliver your treatment using state-of-the-art equipment, but will also give you support, answer your questions, and generally care for you and your family/carers.
Nursing team
At Calvary Mater Newcastle we pride ourselves on our great nursing care. Nurses are an integral part of your journey as you undergo your treatment. Our nurses are there for you and your family and provide the very best advice in all aspects of your care. Just ask our nurses if you need any assistance at any time, they are there for you.
Radiation oncology medical physicists apply their knowledge of mathematics, physics and technology to establish, implement and monitor processes which allow best radiation treatment to be delivered, taking account of the radiation protection of the patient and others.
Their major work programs are equipment management and quality assurance, external beam treatment planning (development, quality assurance and consultancy), radiation dosimetry, radiation safety, and the repair and maintenance of radiation oncology equipment.
Another important part of their work involves teaching and mentoring students, and their continual strive for safer and innovative treatment for our patients through research.
At Calvary Mater Newcastle we care about your physical, spiritual and emotional needs.
Experiencing problems and changes with your health can be a very difficult and stressful time for you and your carer/family.
Our allied health team provide assistance to patients and their families for a wide range of health care, personal concerns and practical needs.
The team provides inpatient, outpatient, home care and support programs. These health care services include, but are not limited to, dietitians, social workers, physiotherapists, speech pathologists and pastoral care workers.
You and your carer/family can ask to speak to any of our allied health staff. All are available for your assistance at various times throughout your treatment.
Our radiation oncology administration staff will provide you with assistance whenever you present for treatment, help you to make an appointment and when necessary put you in contact with a member of the clinical team.
They also assist in the day-to-day running of clinics, appointment schedules and provide extensive support to our clinical team.
Our radiation oncology clinical trials team may become involved in your care if your radiation oncologist believes that one of our research studies may be suitable for you.
If you decide to participate, the radiation oncology clinical trials team will work closely with your doctor including assisting with your appointments and coordinating the care you require.
Our team will also collect the information that is needed for the research study which may include information about your cancer, side effects from treatment, questionnaires and information about your ongoing health.
Useful contacts
These services are located on Level 2 and operate Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm.
Service / Person | Contact details |
Reception | |
Business Manager | |
Director of Radiation Oncology |