ST JOHN of God Hospital will get a $1.7 million, 11-chair day oncology ward.
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It will be located on the hospital’s first floor, in the former gymnasium.
Oncology nurse unit manager Liz McEncroe said the hospital had six oncology chairs but a St John of God Health Care board donation had provided for the new area.
“This will allow us to have a purpose-built facility to meet the needs of our day oncology population and increase services,” Ms McEncroe said.
She said the hospital averaged 200 oncology visits monthly.
“We’ve been growing fairly consistently since we’ve had our new (cancer) doctors on board.
“It will also facilitate more supportive care options such as massage, pastoral care and psychosocial services.”
St John of God acting chief executive officer Maria Noonan said the hospital would be able to provide a “comprehensive and holistic service”.
She said the hospital had put a submission into the St John of God Health Care board.
“There is a community need and we are fulfilling that need in the Grampians region and local community, with the support of our medical partners.”
Works will begin early next year and be completed by mid-2015.
St John of God Ballarat already provides a range of cancer services, including an inpatient ward and a “Renew” cancer wellbeing and rehabilitation program.
fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au