Cancer patients get local service
Mar 15 2008 by Audrey Barton, The Journal
PATIENTS can now undergo life-saving cancer treatment close to their homes, cutting travelling time and helping their recovery.
MP Alan Beith officially opened a new nurse-led chemotherapy service yesterday to provide treatment for cancer patients at Berwick Infirmary.
The new service, which is available two days per week, builds on the success of a similar service at Hexham Hospital and will save Berwick patients travelling over 100 miles to other hospitals for their treatment.
The Hexham service was the first nurse-led chemotherapy service in the country, and now Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust is providing the same service at Berwick as part of its commitment to bring local services close to people’s homes.
Mr Beith said yesterday: “I know from personal experience when my first wife was having chemotherapy how tough it is if patients from Berwick have to travel to Newcastle or Wansbeck for treatment. It takes a lot out of you and if you are having to travel back and forth, it makes it harder for you to recover from the effects of the chemotherapy.
“It is a cause very close to my heart to open this chemotherapy service in Berwick.”
The services include the introduction of a respiratory outpatient clinic, saving patients a trip to Wansbeck Hospital to see a consultant, and the installation of a computerised x-ray system that allows digital x-rays to be viewed by consultant radiologists at hospitals in Wansbeck and North Tyneside.
Nurse Practitioners at Berwick have undergone specialist training and now carry out tasks traditionally done by junior doctors, including assessment, meaning treatment can start earlier. Steve Russell, executive director with responsibility for community hospitals, said: “This is another service we are bringing to Berwick Infirmary and is part of our ongoing commitment to make services, wherever possible, close to people’s homes.
“We have been able to achieve that aim by the hard work and enthusiasm of our nursing team.”
