Atherton Hospital expands oncology services, boosts treatment capacity

Expanded oncology operations bring care closer to home.

Atherton Hospital expands their oncology operations from three to five days per week to cater to more chemotherapy patients, averaging 15 to 25 per week.

Leena Singh, chief executive of Atherton Hospital, said the department’s expansion was part of other upgrades in the hospital along with the $8.5m (AU$12.9m) refurbishment of the existing South Ward.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said that an investment of $660,000 (AU$1m) was also allotted to support additional staff and increase treatment capacity.

“This expansion is a clear example of how the Crisafulli Government is fixing the gaps left by Labor, and getting on with the job of strengthening regional health services,” he said.  

Prior to a chemotherapy patient’s referral to Atherton, they are first under the care of Liz Plummer Cancer Centre at Cairns Hospital.

These developments follow the launch of the Community, Allied and Mental Health Building and the Clinical Services Building, a $57m (AU$86.4m) investment in strengthening the future of healthcare for the Tablelands. 

Atherton oncology service Nurse Unit Manager Colin Newnham expressed his satisfaction on service growth and continued providing safe, personalised oncology care. 

“Our team is dedicated to supporting patients through what can be the most challenging time of their lives,” Newnham said. “We are thrilled we can now offer more appointments each week and ensure more people receive the care they need closer to home.”

AU$1 = US$0.66