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20 February, 2025

Oncology Unit celebrates 20 year anniversary

Oncology unit celebrates 20th anniversary serving cancer patients

By Staff Reporters

Original EGHS Oncology Unit nurses Marg Keith, Leesa McInnes and Mary Kinsella cut the 20th anniversary cake. Picture supplied
Original EGHS Oncology Unit nurses Marg Keith, Leesa McInnes and Mary Kinsella cut the 20th anniversary cake. Picture supplied

Twenty years of service to the Ararat community by the East Grampians Health Service Oncology Unit was celebrated In February 2025.

The Oncology Unit's 20th anniversary brought together more than 40 past and present patients, volunteers, donors and staff.

More than 20 years ago, a need for oncology services locally was identified to allow people diagnosed with cancer to receive treatment closer to home without having to travel and stay in larger centres, causing even more significant disruption to their lives.

In 2004, Professor George Kannourakis from Ballarat Oncology and Haematology was approached to provide an Oncology treatment and outpatient service to the Ararat community and surrounding district. In January 2005, thanks to generous donations from the community and funding, a fully equipped eight-chair, day oncology unit was established on the south end of the first floor (now the Dialysis Unit.)

Dr Craig Carden joined the department in 2011, initially working with Dr Kannourakis, and then, as of 2013, as the unit's Oncologist and Haematologist, Dr Pohan Lukito joined the team in 2019.

As part of the refurbishment of the hospital, the department was relocated in May 2013 to the north end of the first floor into a purpose-designed facility where it remains today.

Several art projects were conducted within the unit over the years, with the idea of creating works of art to decorate and create a homely feel.

Artists Kevin Free and the late Carolyn Thomas coordinated one of these projects, 'Sharing the Journey', with staff and patients creating artworks for the unit.

Later, the Willaura Quilters group worked with patients, carers and family members to create three quilts as part of the 'Common Threads' project, with two raffled to raise funds for the unit and one quilt still adorning the wall of the waiting room.

Ron and Margo Jenkinson attended the 20th anniversary of the Ararat Oncology Unit. Picture supplied
Ron and Margo Jenkinson attended the 20th anniversary of the Ararat Oncology Unit. Picture supplied

The Ararat community has been enormously supportive of the Oncology Unit. It continues to raise funds, which allows the Unit to update equipment and provide a welcoming environment staffed with qualified professionals.

The Ararat and District Breast Cancer Support Group was a major contributor over many years, providing all current treatment chairs in the unit and other equipment items.

The volunteers also provided significant support to the department over the years, which was appreciated by patients during their treatment.

Artist Kevin Free with one of the sculptures created for the Oncology Unit in the ‘Sharing the Journey’ project. Picture supplied
Artist Kevin Free with one of the sculptures created for the Oncology Unit in the 'Sharing the Journey' project. Picture supplied

Oncology Unit Associate Nurse Unit Manager Leesa McInnes thanked everyone for attending the birthday celebrations.

"Being diagnosed with cancer is a life-changing experience for not just patients but the entire family," Ms McInnes said.

"To be able to have treatment locally reduces the stress for everyone. When you come here for treatment, you join our family, and we do our best to care for and support everyone through their cancer journey.

"Because we are a small department, you see the same staff week after week and get to know us.

"You are not just a number to us; we try to make a difficult time in your life as easy as possible."

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