Haematology service now available to more Wheatbelt residents

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) has expanded cancer services in the Wheatbelt with the newly-established Northam Haematology Service now providing specialist care closer to home.

WACHS has partnered with Royal Perth Hospital to provide Wheatbelt cancer patients with a new public haematology service, based out of the cancer unit at Northam Health Service.

Specialist Haematologists Dr Tony Calogero and Dr Annalise Martin will deliver face-to-face outpatient clinics as well as telehealth outpatient consultations.

Mr James, one of the first patients to access the service, said being able to schedule appointments in Northam saved both time and stress. 

“I’d much rather come in here than be travelling all the way to Perth. It’s not just the time it’s the traffic, the parking and negotiating where to go. Having my appointment here in Northam just made things that little bit easier which is fantastic,” he said.

The new service builds on existing cancer services in the region, including the Narrogin Haematology Service, run in partnership with Fiona Stanley Hospital.

WACHS Wheatbelt Acting Regional Director Russell Colyer-Cockburn said the new service in Northam aligns with the WA Country Health Service Cancer Strategy 2017–22, ensuring Wheatbelt residents have access to specialist healthcare locally.

“We are pleased to be able to offer additional haematology services to our Wheatbelt communities.

“Any opportunity to relieve the additional burden of travel from a cancer patient’s schedule is most welcome.”