Radiation Therapy (Oncology) - Patient information

Radiation Therapy(Oncology)
Accommodation and transport
Radiation Therapy treatments
Frequently asked questions
Clinical Trials

Doctors clinics

You will see your oncologist or a registrar (a doctor training to be an oncologist) in a review clinic while you are on treatment. Clinic days and times are specific to each doctor. It is not always possible to co-ordinate your treatment time with the doctor’s clinic, therefore you may have to visit the department twice on these days.

Please feel free to speak to the therapists about any questions, concerns, or problems you may have; it is not necessary to wait for your visit with the doctor. If the therapists feel you need further, immediate management, they will have you seen by a nurse and/or doctor.

Preparing for your first appointment with the radiation oncologist

Please bring a complete list of any medications that you are on to your initial doctors appointment.

We ask that you follow advice from your treatment team as opposed to information from any other sources. Below is an information pamphlet about how to look after yourself while on treatment. You will be given a copy of it when you start your treatment.

General information for patients receiving Radiation Therapy treatment

For patients having radiation treatment to the pelvis: please follow bowel/bladder preparation as discussed with your oncologist at your initial consultation for simulation and treatment.

About your care team:

You will meet various members of the Waikato Regional Cancer Centre during your visits. The following is a brief description of who we are and what we do:

radiation oncologist: a specialist doctor who is qualified in the treatment of cancer by radiation
radiation oncology registrar: a doctor training to become a radiation oncologist
radiation therapist: qualified technical staff involved in the planning, scheduling and operation of the radiation equipment in your daily treatment
medical physicist: a scientific officer who performs regular checks to assure standards of radiation equipment, treatment plans and radiation safety
nursing staff: specially qualified in oncology to look after you in the outpatient department and on the wards
Cancer Society travel coordinator
students: as this is a training facility, there may also be students involved in your treatment. You have the right to ask that students not be present during your procedures. Students are supervised at all times.

We aim to give you the best possible care during your treatment, so if there is anything else you need to know, please ask any one of us at the Waikato Regional Cancer Centre.

Patient information leaflets

Numerous information leaflets specific to your treatment site are available within the department, some of which are listed below. These are given during the initial consultation with the oncologist and on the first day of treatment.

Information booklets from the Cancer Society are also available within the department.

Cancer Society information booklets

Breast and Chestwall Treatment
Brain and Spinal Cord Treatment
Chest Treatment
Female Pelvis Treatment
Head and Neck Treatment
Iodine Treatment
Prostate Treatment
Male Pelvis Treatment
Palliative Treatment

Kaitiaki Service

Te Puna Oranga’s Frontline Kaitiaki Service is part of the Waikato District Health Board.

This service provides support for Māori patients and their whānau who are admitted to hospital.

The Kaitiaki service’s role is to assist by:

supporting patients during their admission in hospital
helping the patient and whānau understand the type of care provided by health clinicians
supporting clinicians and staff
can link patients into other hospital services that can assist/support them while they are in hospital
support patient and whānau to find support from external providers.

Useful Links

Page last updated on 26/05/2009