Kingaroy Hospital’s new chemotherapy treatment cuts patient trips to Toowoomba

The delivery of a new service at the Kingaroy Hospital, is being hailed as a ‘huge win’ for cancer patients by dramatically slashing the number forced out of the region for treatment.

Deb Frecklington and Sue Cox thanked nurses, Michelle,Sarah, and Dale at Kingaroy Hospital who are delivering the new chemotherapy services.

Cancer patients at Kingaroy Hospital are getting a major helping hand thanks to a new chemotherapy treatment being rolled out in a first for the region.

The teleoncology service at the hospital is the first time an “outreach” model has been implemented by the Darling Downs Health service.

A cancer care nurse from Toowoomba travels to Kingaroy each week to facilitate treatment while being supported by a team of clinicians from Toowoomba via a live video link.

In the four months since the service began, there have been 93 individual appointments, meaning 93 less trips had to be made to Toowoomba or the coast to get treatment.

Nanango LNP MP Deb Frecklington said the feedback she received from patients emphasised the difference it was making in their lives.

Ms Frecklington hailed the treatment as a win after visiting the hospital team who provide the new teleoncology services at the hospital.

Kingaroy Hospital emergency department. Hospital Generic. Picture: Dominic Elsome

“It was such a privilege to tour the new teleoncology area and meet the nurses who are providing on-site chemo treatment,” Ms Frecklington said.

In June of this year the first patient received treatment.

“No longer do they have to travel hours away for treatment,” Ms Frecklington said.

“Instead they are able to stay close to families and friends when they need it the most.”

“This is a huge win for the people of the South Burnett and I am pleased that years of advocacy for this service has paid off,” Ms Frecklington said.