May 19, 2023
The long-awaited desire by cancer patients to receive chemotherapy at Kingaroy Hospital – rather than travel to Toowoomba or Brisbane – looks set to become a reality next month.
Darling Downs Health announced on Friday that Kingaroy Hospital will join the teleoncology service based out of Toowoomba Hospital.
A specialised oncology nurse in Toowoomba will provide clinical support to a nurse in Kingaroy via a live video stream. The Kingaroy nurse will administer and monitor the delivery of the chemotherapy.
“Patient safety is paramount when administering chemotherapy to patients,” Nurse Unit Manager at Kingaroy Hospital Trudy Bell said.
“This new service at the Kingaroy Hospital will ensure we have the right clinical skills and the required safety nets in place to support our patients and provide excellent care.”
The service will initially cater to patients who meet certain eligibility criteria.
It is hoped, however, the service will grow and help more patients stay closer to home to receive treatment.
“Travelling to receive medical treatment can take quite a significant toll on patients,” Trudy said.
“To provide a service that removes the need for travel is a wonderful asset to the Kingaroy and South Burnett community.”
Kingaroy Hospital Director of Nursing Gaye Binns said a team of nurses was undertaking specialised training in the administration of chemotherapy.
“It’s not only great news for our patients and the community, it is also a great opportunity for our staff to learn new skills in their home town,” Gaye said.
“We have a great hospital and a wonderful day therapy unit in which to provide this service.
“We are all set up and look forward to welcoming our oncology patients soon.”
Darling Downs Health currently provides teleoncology services to patients located in Dalby, Warwick, Charleville, St George and Roma.
