Work has commenced on a new day oncology unit at Maitland Private Hospital this week.
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The unit, which is the first stage in the hospital's vision for a larger cancer centre, will include four treatment chairs and be directed by Dr Robin Paterson.
"The commencement of the Day Oncology Unit at Maitland Private Hospital will provide relief for many Maitland and greater Hunter Region residents who are travelling long distances to access oncology services," Dr Paterson said.
"Anyone who has been through chemotherapy themselves or alongside a loved one, will be able to tell you how exhausting the therapy is both physically and mentally.
"Removing the travel component for those patients by offering this service locally is an exciting step forward for both the community and the hospital."
Maitland Private Hospital has also partnered with the Cancer Council to provide patients with educational resources and support.
The hospital will also offer community based transport assistance and parking concessions for day oncology patients.
Maitland Private Hospital chief executive Peter Cizzio welcomed the new addition to the facility, and said it would provide improved access for cancer patients throughout the Hunter.
"After many months of planning it gives me great pleasure to see construction of the Day Oncology Unit commence," Mr Cizzio said.
"We have been growing our support services, such as our Intensive Care Unit and our Lymphoedema Therapy Service in anticipation of this new unit.
"The unit will be able to provide Chemotherapy for up to 40 patients each week which will reduce the stress on the services in Newcastle and provide convenient access for patients in the Maitland and Greater Hunter Regions."
As the only private hospital in the Hunter Valley Region, Maitland Private services include 151 beds, six modern operating theatres, 10 bed intensive care unit, day surgery unit, mental health unit and on-site rehabilitation
Patients wishing to access the service should ask their general practitioner or treating Oncologist for a referral to Dr Paterson.
The new day oncology unit at Maitland Private Hospital is expected to be completed by the middle of November.
