TeleChemotherapy relieves the burden for country cancer patients

WA Country Health Service’s (WACHS) commitment to care on country and close to home is making an extraordinary difference for regional patients utilising our award-winning TeleChemotherapy service.

Operated by a team of specialist cancer nurses, doctors and pharmacists, the service – available in three specialist centres in Karratha, Narrogin and Broome – has supported around 400 cancer patients and saved them almost five million kilometres in travel.

Since its establishment in 2019, the service had also delivered nearly 25,000 outpatient appointments.

WA Country Health Service's Yvonne Bagwell said the health service is focused on making it as easy as possible for people to access care when they need it most.

“Imagine being sick and then needing to travel all the way to Perth for regular cancer treatment.

“By implementing TeleChemo we’re saving patients that burden,” Ms Bagwell said.

“Our patients can not only access care locally but they’re able to go home and be supported by their family, friends and loved ones.

“And that’s so important when you consider how exhausting cancer treatment can be.”

As the largest country health service provider in Australia, Ms Bagwell said a key component of service delivery was to innovate and develop ways to reduce travel for country patients.

“We are so proud to be leading the way in this space,” Ms Bagwell added.

WACHS Director of Haematology Dr Tony Calogero said TeleChemotherapy was narrowing the gap between regional patients and specialist cancer care.

“TeleChemotherapy is improving outcomes, with patients more likely to engage in cancer care and complete their treatment.”

For Wheatbelt cancer patients Mick and Helen Denison, the service is not only allowing them to stay close to home, but also to stay together as they navigate their cancer journeys.

Mick, who was diagnosed with a rare neuroendocrine cancer last year has been joined by his wife Helen who is being treated for oesophageal cancer.

Mick said the couple were much happier being able to support one another through each of their various treatments and appointments.

“We’re just so thankful for this service,” Mick said.

“To be able to come here so close to home for treatments and check-ups and not have to go to Perth just makes things so much easier.”

Mick and Helen praised the local team at Narrogin who they said were always willing to go above and beyond.

“They’re amazing people, every single one of them.”