Health Minister Tony Ryall has revealed that the cancer patients in the Wellington region will be provided with a new technology radiation treatment, once a new linear accelerator (Linac) is introduced in October.

The Health Minister said that the New Zealanders have been anxious over the cancer treatment for quite a long time and the health authorities have been working to match their expectations. The introduction of linac in October will be an effective step in cancer care.

The Capital and Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) has purchased a $5 million, 6 tonne Varian Truebeam radiotherapy linear accelerator which will be installed in Australasia for the first time ever.

Mr. Ryall stated, "It will provide more advanced and effective treatments with reduced toxicity for patients, and, because it is faster, it will improve access to radiation therapy through the Capital and Coast District Health Board's region".

CCDHB has notified that Linac will replace the current 14-year-old machine once the installation and testing of the machines is done along with commissioning and training of the staff.

The Linac, radiotherapy linear accelerator will provide the cancer patients faster and more accurate radiation treatment.