Cancer patients facing some of the toughest days of their lives will benefit from faster access to treatment and fewer trips to hospital following a major upgrade at the Northern NSW Cancer Institute.

New radiation therapy technology installed at the Lismore Base Hospital facility is expected to increase patient capacity by around 50 per cent while also allowing some prostate cancer patients to complete treatment in just five visits instead of 20.

The $8.2 million project has replaced the centre’s two linear accelerators (LINACs) with the latest generation machines, allowing staff to deliver more advanced treatments and treat more patients each day.

Health authorities expect the number of patients treated daily to increase from about 40 to 60.

The upgrade also included refurbishment of the radiation therapy treatment rooms and improvements to facilities used by staff to plan and design treatment programs.

Additional features have been introduced to improve the patient experience, including specialised ceiling lighting systems and new artworks selected following consultation with patients.

A significant development has been the introduction of a stereotactic radiotherapy program for eligible prostate cancer patients.

The treatment, introduced in late 2024, reduces the standard course of radiotherapy from 20 sessions to just five, meaning fewer hospital visits for patients and their families, particularly those travelling from communities across the Northern Rivers.

Northern NSW Local Health District Director of Radiation Oncology Dr Carmen Hansen said the investment would help ensure regional patients continued to receive world-class cancer care close to home.

“These upgrades will ensure that cancer services in Northern NSW remain at the forefront of the latest technology and innovation,” Dr Hansen said.

“The North Coast Cancer Institute in Lismore has a strong reputation of leading the way in providing patients with high-quality healthcare right here in regional NSW, and these improvements will ensure patients continue to benefit from the very best care closer to home.”

Northern NSW Local Health District Director of Cancer Services and Innovation Stephen Manley said the improvements would further strengthen services available to patients in the region.

Above, one of the two new linear accelerators.  Main image, L to R: Lynne Weir Director Clinical Operations NNSWLHD, Matthew Lenarduzzi, Project Manager, Grace McMullen Chief Radiation Therapist, Fred Goodman, Senior Project Manager, Laura Kerr Deputy Chief Radiation Therapist, Stephen Manley Director Cancer Services and Innovations,  Joy Smith, Lismore Community Advisory Group Member and Saul Williams, Account Manager. (Photo supplied NNSWLHD)

“Our cancer centres at Lismore Base Hospital and Tweed Valley Hospital provide care which is on par with the best in the country, and this latest suite of improvements will further enhance the care and experience we provide to our patients,” he said.

Mr Manley thanked staff for maintaining services throughout the project, including operating extended hours while the upgrades were completed.

The North Coast Cancer Institute provides radiation therapy services for patients from across the Northern Rivers, helping reduce the need for people to travel long distances for treatment.