Cancer clinic opens in closer proximity to Marlborough

The opening of the region’s first cancer care clinic has been hailed an “amazing milestone” for local patients and their cancer care. The Nelson clinic offers specialist oncology and haematology treatment, removing the need for many patients to travel to Christchurch.

St George’s Cancer Care clinic in Stoke was officially opened during a visit from Prime Minister Chris Luxon on Thursday. It marks St George’s first regional site outside Christchurch.

For the first time, the Top of the South is pretty well covered,” Cancer Society Nelson Tasman manager Venus Guy said. “Having this facility, it’s mind-blowing, a very exciting day.”

The new service provides medical oncology and haematology care locally, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, blood disorder treatment and specialist consultations.

Nelson-based medical oncologists Dr Kate Gregory and Dr Anna Wojtacha will lead the clinic, working across both the new service and the public health system. They will be supported by visiting Christchurch specialists and St George’s multidisciplinary team.

“For many patients in the regions, they have to travel a long way for treatment, often when they’re feeling pretty low and vulnerable,” noted Dr Jim Edwards, St George’s Cancer Care clinical director and medical oncologist. “Chemotherapy and other treatments are pretty demanding on the body, and adding the travel, the time away from home, family and support networks just makes that a whole lot harder.

“This clinic is going to change that for a lot of people. It allows patients to have their treatment here in their own community, surrounded by their own support network, without the worry of travel.”

The clinic includes special technology including a scalp cooler and ultrasound-guided cannulation equipment for drip insertion, both of which make a big difference to patient care, he added.

Patient relief
For 72-year-old patient Roger Cooke, the change is significant. To receive specialist cancer treatment, he has been flying from Nelson to Christchurch, often returning the same evening to avoid overnight accommodation costs.

“It’s really a two-day exercise just to get out of Nelson,” Roger says. “You’re checking the weather, hoping the flight goes. The minute it takes off, you relax.”
The travel adds hours to what is already a physically demanding day.

“After treatment, I just want to be at home in my own bed with a cup of tea,” he says. “When you’re flying back, you’re exhausted. Sometimes it’s not the next day that gets you, it’s a couple of days later.”

That journey has now reduced to a 30-minute drive. The $1.2 million investment in the centre is expected to see about 300 local patients treated each year once fully established, with capacity to grow. The clinic will initially operate three days per week, with plans to expand as demand increases. Radiation oncology consultations will be available in Nelson, with radiation treatment continuing in Christchurch where specialist equipment is required.

St George’s Hospital chief executive Blair Roxborough clinic will operate under St George’s established shared care model with the public health system.

“This approach enables patients to receive funded treatments from within the public service whilst accessing unfunded therapies through our centre,” the CEO explained. “Close coordination between the teams ensures treatment is delivered safely, seamlessly and with comprehensive support.”