REGIONAL cancer patients are spending less time on the road and more time close to home after donated oncology equipment transformed treatment at Gatton Hospital.
Over the past 12 months, 14 patients have collectively avoided travelling 2765 kilometres for cancer treatment, thanks to a tele-oncology service supported by a $100,000 donation from employees of beef producer Stanbroke.
The donation, facilitated by the West Moreton Health Foundation, funded a wide range of equipment for the hospital, including specialised day medical infusion chairs that allow eligible chemotherapy patients to receive treatment locally rather than travelling to Ipswich Hospital.
West Moreton Health Foundation chief executive Scott Young said the impact on patients had been significant.
“Long drives can add to the nausea and fatigue cancer patients already feel,” Mr Young said.
“At the same time, many people need others to drive them longer distances.”
Previously, all oncology patients from the Gatton region were required to travel to Ipswich Hospital for chemotherapy treatment.
Research commissioned by the West Moreton Health Foundation found almost nine in 10 regional cancer patients would prefer to receive oncology treatment closer to home.
The survey showed patients lived a median distance of 29km closer to their local hospital than Ipswich.
For Gatton resident Donna Gorman, who has received treatment at both Ipswich and Gatton hospitals, the difference has been life changing.
“In the past it’s taken me around six hours to get to Ipswich and back, including the time spent at the hospital,” Ms Gorman said.
“In Gatton, it probably takes about two hours including travel time and you feel more comfortable in your local surroundings.”
Mr Young said the project reflected the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening healthcare in regional communities.
