Oncology revamp follows resignations

Oncology services at Timaru Hospital have been restructured following the resignation of two specialist nurses.

In a letter to patients, hospital staff said chemotherapy treatment would continue to be provided and home visits would be provided but would continue on a ‘‘case by case basis as required’’.

Follow-up care with an oncology nurse would be planned according to the current treatment arrangements. Post-treatment followup calls will be provided by nurse specialists based in Christchurch.

The treatment service and oncology clinics would remain unchanged and would be held in outpatients with visiting consultants from Christchurch as normal.

The hospital said yesterday the arrangements were tem- porary. ‘‘ We recognise that the service is important, particularly to those who are facing the challenges of being treated for cancer and the impact this has on both themselves and their families.

‘‘However, we have been attempting to make changes to strengthen the way in which oncology services operate across our community, and interfaces with the Christchurch-based specialist oncology services who provide outreach services within South Canterbury.’’

‘‘In the future a third position will be appointed.’’

South Canterbury District Health Board director of nursing, midwifery and allied health Jane Brosnahan said one nurse had left to take another position two months ago and it was ‘‘unfortunate timing’’ that the second nurse had resigned.