News
Comprehensive care at new Hunter Cancer Centre
Mar 01, 2014
Hunter people can now access a complete range of cancer care at Lake Macquarie's new Hunter Cancer Centre.
Both public and private patients will have improved access to a comprehensive cancer service at Hunter Cancer Centre conveniently located on the Lake Macquarie Private Hospital campus, which will be officially launched on Thursday.
The centre will provide medical, radiation and surgical oncology as well as research, support services and education. Importantly these services will be provided close to people's homes and will reduce waiting times and travel times.
Lake Macquarie Private Hospital CEO Ian Maytom said the new cancer centre would provide cancer patients with a choice and easier access.
"Services provided at Hunter Cancer Care will include rapid access to radiotherapy for public and private patients. This will mean greatly reduced waiting times for care, less travel and significantly less stress on families," Mr Maytom said.
He said currently one in four cancer patients in the Hunter were unable to access radiotherapy treatment close to home and the establishment of the Hunter Cancer Centre would greatly reduce the burden for patients, their families and carers.
"It has been well documented over many years that there is more demand for cancer treatment in the Hunter than services available and the launch of the Hunter Cancer Centre will help improve access to treatment.
The services available at Hunter Cancer Centre include:
- Medical Oncology
- Dietetics
- Radiation Oncology
- Pharmacy
- Oncological Surgery
- Allied Health
- X-Ray and Imaging
- Nursing Staff
- Pathology
- Palliative Care
- Psychology
- Support Services
Associate Professor Peter O'Brien said contemporary cancer management required a multi-disciplinary approach to optimise patient care.
"Recent developments at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, including the building of a state of the art radiation oncology facility, means patients can have rapid access to comprehensive cancer care," Professor O'Brien said.
"Patients can be reassured that all treatments and diagnostic services can be arranged without any wait, and this is particularly important for those patients requiring treatment for symptom control.
"The comprehensive care provided at the Hunter Cancer Centre will also address the many issues confronting people who have been diagnosed with cancer."
Media opportunity:
Hunter Cancer Centre launch
Thursday, March 6 at noon
On the day there will be two cancer patients available for comment along with Associate Professor Peter O'Brien.
A walk around Hunter Cancer Centre will provide photo opportunity in both Day Oncology and the newly commissioned Linear Accelerator.