Chemotherapy to become available at Kingaroy Hospital

South Burnett residents will soon have local access to chemotherapy treatments, thanks to an upcoming technological advancement set to be implemented next month.

Kingaroy Hospital nurses (from left) Sarah Ross, Robyn Bailey and Trudy Bell look forward to seeing oncology patients soon at the hospital’s day therapy unit.

A technological advancement will allow South Burnett cancer patients to access chemotherapy locally from next month, after the region recorded a 129 per cent cancer patient increase over the past five years.

Kingaroy is the latest site in the Darling Downs Health region to benefit from the new teleoncology service and specialised training for nurses.

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A Darling Downs Health spokesman said the service involved a specialised oncology nurse in Toowoomba who will provide clinical support via live video stream.

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“The nurse on the ground then safely administers and monitors the delivery of the chemotherapy to the patient,” a spokesman said.

Nanango MP Deb Frecklington said she has fought for better regional and rural health care since being elected in 2012.

“The government’s decision, whilst well overdue, is welcomed and I look forward to the people of the South Burnett benefiting from this service, without the need to travel hours away,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“Make no mistake, there is still a long way to go in ensuring the health services in regional communities like ours are adequate, and I will keep fighting as your voice in the State Parliament.”

A Kingaroy Teleoncology spokesman said eligibility for the program was considered on an individual basis.

“The patient’s team of specialists consider the medical history of the patient, treatment side effects, the frequency and type of treatment required and any other individual factors that might impact the treatment process,” a spokesman said.

Kingaroy is the latest site in the Darling Downs Health region to benefit from a new teleoncology service.

Kingaroy Hospital Nurse Unit Manager Trudy Bell said patient safety was paramount when administering chemotherapy to patients.

“This new service will ensure we have the right clinical skills and the required safety nets in place to support our patients and provide excellent care,” Mrs Bell said.

“Travelling to receive medical treatment can take quite a significant toll on patients.

“To provide a service that removes the need for travel is a wonderful asset to the Kingaroy and South Burnett community,” she said.

Kingaroy Hospital Director of Nursing Gaye Binns said it was also a great opportunity for staff to learn new skills in their hometown.

“We have a great hospital and a wonderful day therapy unit in which to provide this service,” Ms Binns said.

“We are all set up and look forward to welcoming our oncology patients soon,” she said.