First South Island private cancer centre opens

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The South Island's first private cancer-treatment centre has been officially opened in Christchurch.

Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand yesterday unveiled a plaque and Anglican bishop Victoria Matthews blessed the new $16.5 million centre at St George's Hospital.

The centre, which includes a chemotherapy suite, a CT scanner, two linacs – radiotherapy machines – and consulting rooms started treating patients in March.

St George's Hospital chief executive Tony Hunter said a dietitian and a psychiatrist would also help care for patients in a more holistic way.

Up to 95 per cent of the centre's patients were from Canterbury, he said.

Despite the private centre, referrals to Christchurch Hospital continue to rise.

Last month, the Canterbury District Health Board voted to buy another linac for the hospital. The fourth linac will be available from September next year.

- © Fairfax NZ News