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Narrogin’s New TeleChemo service makes all the difference to cancer patients

Narrogin Observer
Peter Denton and Lara Skerritt at Narrogin's TeleChemo facillity
Camera IconPeter Denton and Lara Skerritt at Narrogin's TeleChemo facillity Credit: WA Country Health Service/WA Country Health Service

Narrogin’s new TeleChemotherapy service is making it possible for cancer patients to receive treatment close to home.

Peter Denton, of Cuballing, told the Narrogin Observer of the the difference it had made to his cancer journey.

Born and raised in the country, Mr Denton has lived in Cuballing for 35 years.

After being diagnosed with melanoma just over six years ago, Mr Denton has been through chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, an additional cancer diagnosis and ongoing immunotherapy treatment.

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Up until three months ago, he was frequently travelling for his appointments and treatments.

“After that, I was having immunotherapy in Bunbury every two to three weeks,” he said.

“The round trip of more than 400km can be pretty tiring, especially after having treatment

“Fortunately, I’m relatively well with my condition, but a lot of people aren’t.”

The 30km round trip into Narrogin puts much less pressure on Mr Denton and his wife.

“I have received excellent life-prolonging care from my Bunbury oncologist, but the fact that I no longer have to travel is certainly a plus for me and my wife,” Mr Denton said.

“Even though I’m now going to Narrogin for my four-weekly treatment, the use of Telehealth means I still get to see my specialist and I was even able to get the results of my recent PET scans.

“I think Telehealth is a really good tool, especially for people who are isolated or vulnerable.”

TeleChemotherapy enables patients to receive low-risk chemotherapy locally with the support of specialist Perth-based clinicians via videoconferencing.

The Narrogin service, launched earlier this year, is the second of its kind in the State.

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