TeleChemotherapy comes to Narrogin and Broome
L-R: Monique Fitzpatrick (TeleChemotherapy Nurse), Noel Swart (patient), Jesmyne Galanti (TeleChemotherapy Nurse), Dr Wei-Sen Lam (Medical Oncologist).
• Low-risk chemotherapy via telehealth now available at Narrogin Health Campus and Broome Hospital
• Care closer to home for eligible Kimberley and Wheatbelt cancer patients
• Kimberley travel restrictions make the availability of TeleChemotherapy in Broome vital to some local cancer patients
Innovative telehealth technology and a skilled local workforce have created the opportunity for low-risk chemotherapy services to be administered at Broome Hospital, as well as the newly redeveloped $50 million Narrogin Health Service.
TeleChemotherapy is a model of care that enables some cancer patients to receive low-risk chemotherapy locally with the support of specialist metropolitan-based clinicians via videoconferencing technology, known as telehealth. Western Australia's first TeleChemotherapy site commenced at Karratha Health Campus in October last year.
Current travel restrictions in the Kimberley region as a result of COVID-19 make the WA Country Health Service’s commencement of the TeleChemotherapy service in Broome even more vital to local cancer patients.
WA Country Health Service Medical Oncologist Dr Wei-Sen Lam said telehealth is driving innovation in country cancer care, and both Broome Hospital and Narrogin Health Campus's TeleChemotherapy services will improve the treatment experience for country patients by reducing the need to be away from home during low-risk cancer treatments.
"TeleChemotherapy allows suitable country patients to receive chemotherapy closer to home, supervised by a metropolitan-based cancer specialist using telehealth, reducing the need for patients to travel for treatment,” Dr Lam said.
“The new service will have a significant impact on local patients' wellbeing by removing the stressors that can come with the need to travel.
“At a time when staying local is more important than ever, the TeleChemotherapy model of care enables Kimberley and Wheatbelt cancer patients who meet medical eligibility criteria to receive chemotherapy treatment close to home, fully supported by specialists via telehealth and skilled local staff.”
Using technology so that country residents can access health care closer to home is another way the WA Country Health Service is putting patients first.