At the age of 82, Paul Feeney really appreciates the comforts of home – especially the back deck of his Brisbane house.
So when the veteran was given the chance to receive chemotherapy treatments at home rather than Greenslopes Private Hospital as part of a new trial for cancer patients, he knew exactly where he would choose.
“The back deck is a great spot. I feel more relaxed while having treatment here,” he said.
“The nurse stays with me until the treatment is finished. The team is just wonderful.”
Mr Feeney now has two of his three monthly treatments at home, instead of visiting the hospital's Cyril Gilbert Cancer Centre (CGCC).
“It feels good not having to get ready, drive to the hospital, find a park at the hospital and then make my way to CGCC,” he said.
“While I do enjoy going to see the team at CGCC, I like the one-on-one time with the nurse, especially when I have questions.”
The Chemo at Home oncology service trial is available to selected ex-defence forces personnel, provided in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Participants must live within 15 kilometres of the hospital – the vehicle used to transport the clinical team to patients’ homes is sponsored by the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation.
The foundation is based at Greenslopes Private, which started as a treatment centre for injured soldiers in 1942, and runs a range of clinical trials aiming to improve the lives of veterans and their families.
Hospital CEO Chris Went said she hoped the program could be rolled out to more patients in the future.
“We understand that chemotherapy can be a difficult treatment to receive and want to make the process as easy as possible for local patients,” Ms Went said.
“Chemo at Home saves the time and effort of travel, which can be especially difficult for our less-mobile patients.
“While our Cyril Gilbert Cancer Centre is a wonderful facility with a fantastic team of people, there is nothing quite like the comfort of your own home.”
