Cancer patients’ long trip for treatment to end with major hospital expansion

A $1m state investment has delivered a 66 per cent surge in cancer treatment capacity, meaning patients will spend less time on one of the region’s most dangerous roads and more time in care.

Oncology services at Atherton Hospital is set to increase by more than 66 per cent after an injection of state funds. Picture: Andrew Watson Photography

Cancer patients will spend less time on one of the region’s most dangerous roads and more time in care after the critical expansion of oncology services on the Atherton Tablelands.

Chemotherapy treatment will surge from three to five days a week at the hospital paving way for staff to treat a total of 25 residents per week, a 66 per cent increase on current services.

More than $1 million has been tipped in to expand oncology services at the Atherton Hospital. Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls. Picture: Brendan Radke

Health Minister Tim Nicholls said more than $1m was tipped in by the state government to make sure residents received lifesaving care nearby.

“By strengthening local services and adding capacity, we’re ensuring more families can receive treatment closer to home, supported by the people and communities they know,” Mr Nicholls said.

“We know how important it is for patients to stay connected with their support networks during treatment, and this expansion makes that possible for more Tablelanders.”

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Leena Singh said the improvement would limit travel time and improve patient outcomes Picture: Brian Cassey

Patients that couldn't be seen in time at Atherton previously had to make the two and a half-hour round trip to Cairns Hospital.

The expansion forms part of more than $10m in improvements to the hospital’s south ward.

Remote and regional areas across Queensland experience higher rates of cancers and lower post-diagnostic survival rates compared to major cities.

Despite advances in care and treatment, case numbers for the Far North’s most prevalent cancers — colorectal, lung, melanoma, breast and prostate — have risen steadily since 2000.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital chief executive Leena Singh said the extra resources would ease pressure and drive better patient outcomes.

“Expanding chemotherapy sessions at Atherton means fewer patients will need to traverse the Gillies Highway, which can be challenging at the best of times,” Ms Singh said.

“Preparatory works are underway to establish a temporary ward to support the south ward refurbishment.

“Once complete, the new 25-bed unit will deliver modern, flexible care spaces that patients and staff deserve.”

Originally published as Cancer patients’ long trip for treatment to end with major hospital expansion