February 24th, 2020Cancer service boost
CANCER services in the Macedon Ranges have been boosted with the launch of the region’s first oncology chemotherapy service. The first patients will receive treatment at Kyneton Health at the end of February.
Patients currently travelling outside of the region will be able to receive a range of treatments close to home, including chemotherapy and other supportive therapies such as blood transfusion and immunotherapy.
The service is overseen by medical oncologist Dr Sam Harris, who has been running an oncology clinic twice a month in the Ambulatory Care Centre of Kyneton Health since 2018.
“The team at Bendigo Health Cancer Centre have always been passionate about patients receiving treatment as close to home as possible. The challenges of a cancer diagnosis and related treatment are large enough, without the added burden of travel. Patients across the Macedon Ranges have routinely travelled one to two hours for treatment, often on a weekly basis. With the launch of this chemotherapy service here in Kyneton, we hope to alleviate some of the stress associated with accessing cancer treatment,” Dr Harris said.
The oncology chemotherapy service has been supported by The Lions Club of Kyneton who raised more than $3000 last year. The donation helped Kyneton Health purchase a designated chemotherapy refrigerator, which is vital to the service.
Patients attending the oncology service will benefit from a holistic approach to their care with the close support of Kyneton Health’s Allied Health team. Physiotherapists, dietitians, social workers and occupational therapists will work alongside Dr Harris to create a personalised program tailored to each patient’s treatment plan.
To coincide with the opening of the oncology service, Kyneton Health’s Healthy Mind and Movement will launch a targeted program for patients with cancer under the banner Moving through Cancer. The physiotherapist-led program will include education and exercise to support patients throughout their treatment to improve endurance and overall wellbeing.
Details: 5422 9900.
