Modern Cancer Care for Patients Across Taranaki
Patients across Taranaki now have access to world-class cancer care closer to home with the official opening of the Taranaki Cancer Centre. Health Minister Simeon Brown highlighted that the centre represents a major milestone for both patients and families in the region.
“It delivers modern, patient-focused cancer care in a purpose-built facility designed to meet the region’s needs, now and into the future,” Mr Brown said.
Advanced Radiation Therapy with Taranaki’s First LINAC
The centre features Taranaki’s first Linear Accelerator (LINAC), allowing local delivery of radiation therapy for the first time. This advanced technology targets cancer cells precisely while sparing healthy tissue, improving both treatment outcomes and patient comfort.
Each year, around 300 patients in Taranaki require radiation therapy. Previously, many had to travel to Palmerston North for multiple appointments, adding stress and disruption. With the new centre, up to 80 percent of radiation treatments can be delivered locally, with only one planning visit needed outside the region.
Expanded Chemotherapy and Patient Facilities
The Taranaki Cancer Centre also enhances chemotherapy access, now available five days a week instead of four. This improvement increases availability of cancer medications and streamlines treatment schedules for patients.
- 10 chemotherapy chairs (up from eight)
- Eight outpatient family rooms with video-conferencing
- Two isolation rooms
- Dedicated family spaces to support patients and families throughout their care journey
Part of a Broader Hospital Redevelopment
The new centre is part of the wider $462.6 million redevelopment of Taranaki Base Hospital, which is modernising and expanding healthcare infrastructure across the region. The East Wing building is nearing completion, offering increased capacity and state-of-the-art facilities for both patients and clinicians.
“We are focused on building a modern, resilient, and future-ready health system for New Zealanders,” Mr Brown said. “This new cancer centre will reduce long journeys for treatment, give patients more time with their loved ones, and support better health outcomes, while providing clinicians with the modern facilities and technology needed to deliver world-class care – right here in Taranaki.”
The newly opened Taranaki Cancer Centre provides world-class cancer treatment closer to home.