One year on since the Kimiora Infusion Unit opened at Whanganui Hospital, more people than ever before are getting the cancer care they need closer to home.
The unit is now delivering 20-40 cancer treatments a month, and the number is expected to grow as patients see the benefit of being able to receive their treatment in their hometown.
Director of Nursing and Director of Hospital and Clinical Services Maurice Chamberlain says over the last year a group of designated nurses have administered a range of treatments including chemotherapy infusions.
“As well as being able to access treatment on our hospital site, our community nurses continue to dispense certain treatments to patients in their homes, if that is what is appropriate and what the patient prefers.”
“The unit has removed the need for patients to travel out of the district to get their treatment, which in turn reduces the stress involved with travelling, at what is often an already stressful time.”
“Care given closer to home is a good thing for the patient, whānau and health care system.”
“The Kimiora Infusion Unit has helped provide better access to cancer treatment for our community,” says Maurice Chamberlain.
Local patients with more complex cancer conditions, including those requiring specialised chemotherapy protocols, continue to receive their treatments at Health NZ MidCentral Hospital in Palmerston North.