By Jessica Micallef
Cancer patients in the Macedon Ranges now have access to treatment closer to home.
The region’s first oncology chemotherapy service at Kyneton District Health was launched last week.
Patients will be able to receive a range of treatments including chemotherapy, blood transfusions and immunotherapy.
Before the service opened, Kyneton District Health cancer patients had to travel to Bendigo Cancer Centre to receive treatment.
The first patients will be treated at the Kyneton oncology chemotherapy service at the end of the month.
The service will be overseen by medical oncologist Dr Sam Harris. He has been running an oncology clinic twice a month at the Ambulatory Care Centre at Kyneton District Health since 2018.
Dr Harris said Macedon Ranges’ first oncology service would remove the “added burden” of travelling.
“The team … have always been passionate about patients receive treatment as close to home as possible,” he said. “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.”
The Lions Club of Kyneton raised more than $3000 last year for the new cancer treatment service. The money went towards purchasing a designated chemotherapy refrigerator.
Dr Harris said patients receiving treatment will benefit from a holistic approach to their care with the support of Kyneton District Health’s allied health team.
Physiotherapists, dietitians, social workers and occupational therapists will be on hand with Dr Harris to create a personalised program tailored to each patient’s treatment plan.
For more information about the oncology service, call 5422 9900.
