The south-west community has donated more than $113,000 to South West Healthcare’s (SWH) new chemotherapy unit.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Donors were thanked on Friday with a tour of the South West Regional Cancer Centre unit, which opened last Monday and boasts stunning ocean and city views.
SWH was the final health service to move into the integrated cancer centre which officially opened in July.
SWH CEO John Krygger thanked donors for their significant contribution to equip the facility, which would provide 2500 chemotherapy treatments annually.
Mr Krygger said the service had moved from the hospital basement “with no natural light, to elevated spectacular views,” which had significant benefits for patient outcomes and staff morale.
“This is the most dramatic transformation of any service we’ve ever delivered,” Mr Krygger said.
Chemotherapy nurse unit manager Alison Kelly said individual patients were having a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, which was the aim of the co-location of services.
She said patient feedback was positive and they appreciated the pleasant and relaxing new environment.
The Warrnambool and District Motorcycle Owners Club member Elaine Finnigan said the group donated $3000 to purchase a chair in the unit. “It’s a fantastic facility. It’s great locals can use it and they don’t have to go to Ballarat or Geelong,” Mrs Finnigan said.