Te Whatu Ora Wairarapa provides a satellite service for local oncology patients. Entry into the service requires a referral from the oncology consultant as appropriate.
The team comprises Cancer Care Coordinator, oncology district nurses, social worker and travel coordinator. We work closely with the Cancer Society.
We have specialists visit Wairarapa Hospital every month to conduct clinics, including haematology, medical oncology and radiation oncology.
Some low risk chemotherapy is administered in the day procedure unit in Wairarapa Hospital by certified registered nurses.
Some patients treated in Wairarapa will still require further treatment in Wellington or Palmerston North, for clinical reasons. The local chemotherapy service is not for every patient, not every treatment, not every time. To receive optimal care, some travel is required for some patients.