More local cancer treatment capability at Narrabri Health Service has been welcomed.
New chemotherapy chairs and equipment are expected to arrive in August with other equipment arriving by October.
The installation of the chemotherapy chairs and equipment will mean that more than 50 people currently requiring treatment who normally have to travel to Tamworth or Moree will no longer have to travel for that regular specific treatment, Narrabri Chamber of Commerce president Russell Stewart said.
Mr Stewart said the chamber thanked Hunter New England Health for the provision of the new facilities.
“We have been actively lobbying for some time to achieve this for our community,” said Mr Stewart.
“We have a great relationship with Hunter New England Health and thank chief executive Michael DiRienzo for his support.”
The chamber and HNEH local group met at the hospital on Tuesday for an update on the chemo chair and treatment room project.
“ Two chairs have been ordered and are on the way, the treatment room is being prepared, and a recruiting program is underway for suitably qualified people to deliver the service,” said Mr Stewart.
He said the achievement of the chemotherapy treatment facilities at Narrabri had been a work in progress involving a range of supporters.
“This follows the work the chamber did in acquiring the ultrasound machine for Narrabri Hospital and through that process we established a strong relationship with Hunter New England Health and chief executive Michael DiRienzo.
“The chamber is delighted and feels it is important these relationships are nurtured.”
“While the number of patients from Narrabri who require chemotherapy is quite small, we appreciate that having access to treatment closer to home will reduce the burden of travel for these very sick patients and their families,” Mr DiRienzo said announcing the chemotherapy ‘outreach’ in December last year.
“Patients would still need to attend the major North West Cancer Centre in the early stages of diagnosis and treatment to ensure safety, but they could continue chemotherapy at Narrabri Hospital.
“The Narrabri service will be provided by qualified nursing staff with oversight by an oncologist in Moree or Tamworth.”
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