Home comfort for chemotherapy patients

21 Apr 2022

This means eligible patients can receive medical infusions and chemotherapy in the comfort of their own home.

Six years ago, Doreen Byford was diagnosed with breast cancer and needed to travel weekly to hospital, which was about an 80 kilometre roundtrip.

Unfortunately, Doreen has needed chemotherapy treatment once more, but this time, things are different. 

“This time, due to COVID, I have been lucky enough to have home services,” Doreen said.

“It is a whole different ball game. I don’t have the travelling, and the additional expense that comes with that. And I am treated in the comfort of my own home.” 

Since St John of God Healthcare at Home’s oncology and infusion services launched in January 2021, the number of patients has significantly grown, now covering the large Perth metropolitan area.

The service has expanded into WA’s south west with the Bunbury service opening in May and in November 2021 delivering its first immunotherapy infusion in the home. 

Clinical Nurse Specialist Tanya O’Connor said the ease and comfort of being cared for in your own home could not be underestimated.

“We aim to improve the patient experience and clinical outcomes by offering holistic care and relieving the stress of travelling to appointments,” she said.

“We have even seen patients self-refer themselves to our service, for the convenience, comfort and reduction in stress, leading to a better quality of life.”

St John of God Healthcare at Home has a comprehensive service offering for at home care in Bunbury, including maternity care, as well as the ability to collaborate with external services if or when we are unable to offer the required service.

St John of God Healthcare at Home Chief Executive Officer Robyn Sutherland said the service aimed to provide integrated care for patients.

“We are able to offer continuity of care for our patients, and a holistic option, and we work with local GPs, and other support groups for referrals for additional services if we cannot offer them ourselves,” she said.

“Our care is focused on supporting patients so that they can continue their recovery with expert support and advice, enabling them to safely return home at the optimal time from hospital and provide choice on where they receive their care.”