Local cancer services on the way for Hawkesbury
5 Oct 2015
5 October 2015
Successful tenderer, Cadwell Construction and Interiors, has commenced works at the new facility at Hawkesbury District Health Service which will provide eligible patients with a local chemotherapy service.
Previously patients would have to travel to Nepean Cancer Care Centre in Kingswood for their treatment.
The Hawkesbury Living Cancer Trust Chemotherapy Unit has been established in partnership with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) and Hawkesbury District Health Service by the Hawkesbury Living Cancer Trust and the kind donations of Hawkesbury families and Richmond Club members.
NBMLHD Chief Executive Kay Hyman says the new Chemotherapy Unit will be a satellite service of Nepean Cancer Care Centre operating at Hawkesbury District Health Service in Windsor for public patients who meet the criteria.
“Patients will be referred via Nepean Cancer Care Centre for chemotherapy at Hawkesbury if they meet the medical criteria for their treatment to be managed there,” says Mrs Hyman.
“Delivering healthcare locally, close to where people live and work, is one of our key objectives to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Hawkesbury Living Cancer Trust Chair, Dr Duncan Guy says the local community has been raising funds over many years to establish the service and following a generous donation of $1 million by Len and Margaret Peel, the dream can finally be realised.
“The Hawkesbury Living Cancer Trust Chemotherapy Unit is a concrete example of the famous spirit and generosity of the people of The Hawkesbury,” says Dr Guy.
Dr Guy says the Chemotherapy Unit has also been designed with the patient in mind with a focus on comfort and compassionate care.
Hawkesbury District Health Service Chief Executive Officer, Strephon Billinghurst, says the new unit will be staffed by highly qualified, chemotherapy registered nurses.
“The new Chemotherapy Unit will operate with four chairs and is expected to provide over 1,000 treatments in its first full year of operation.”