Radiation Oncology Deprtment

Background

The Radiation Oncology Department was established by the Government Republic of Namibia with the help of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1997. Radiation Oncology is based at Windhoek Central Hospital (WCH), Dr. A. B. May Cancer Care Centre. Its service started on 02 April 1997 with treatment of first patient. The department is open every day to cater for daily patients’ radiation treatment. Opening at 08h00 and closes at 17h00 normal hours and sometimes close late by 20h00 to cater for all patients booked for a day.

Activities of the Department

  • Radiation therapy of patients with benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumours.
  • Internal communication of staff members through mails (internet) and meetings.
  • Current available equipments/machines:
    • Simulator (Nucletron) – An X-rays machine for diagnostic imaging.
    • Telecobalt – Cobalt-60 teletherapy machine for external beam treatment.
    • MicroSelectron Remote Afterloader – A high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy machine for internal beam treatment.
    • CT – A computed tomographic machine that is in process to be used soon for patients’ plans.
    • Treatment planning system – A planning system that will be upgraded for good planning for our patients. It will make planning more efficient and proper dose to localized tumours.
  • Consultation of patients referred to the department is done by nurses and doctors.
  • Both curative and palliative care provisions through multidisciplinary consultations.
  • With that there is a need to have intranet for staff to communicate.