CHEMOTHERAPY services in regional South Australia will double under a State Liberal election pledge to bolster services for country cancer patients.
The initiative will see investment in specialist teams at country chemotherapy units and a pilot program of a GP oncologist role in the regions.
If elected, the State Opposition will also employ more chemotherapy nurses, appoint a second medical oncologist, increase pharmacy support and implement a statewide electronic cancer information and prescribing system.
Liberal candidate for Mount Gambier Craig Marsh said the initiative would help South East cancer patients access chemotherapy services in the region instead of travelling to Adelaide.
“Anyone who has had to undergo chemotherapy or has seen a family member or friend go through treatment knows that travelling long distances to get treatment is the last thing these patients need,” he said.
“That’s why a Marshall Liberal Government will increase the chemotherapy services provided at the Mount Gambier Hospital.
“The Mount Gambier Hospital provides invaluable health services to people in towns like Mount Gambier, Port MacDonnell and Tarpeena, so the whole region will benefit from the increase in services.”
Mr Marsh said the plan, which will also upskill local GPs with advanced training in medical oncology, would be particularly beneficial to the region.
“There are currently 74 active patients receiving chemotherapeutic care at Mount Gambier Hospital by a visiting oncologist, there is no resident oncologist,” he said.
“The cancer unit is at capacity and needs this initiative urgently.
“The Mount Gambier Hospital will benefit strongly from the model to train GPs in medical oncology to support our local chemotherapy unit.”
