NORWEST Private Hospital has opened a new chemotherapy and infusion centre, which could offer more than 4000 outpatient treatments a year at full capacity.With eight extra chairs and two beds, patients will be able to park at the door and be treated in spacious surroundings by leading oncologists and haemotologists.Hospital general manager Deborah Fogarty said the centre had

several specialist oncology nurses who were “dedicated to providing a high standard of personalised care in a calm and welcoming environment”.

“Our nurses were closely involved in the design of the unit, and selected one of the key elements to create a peaceful ambience with the special reflective skylight feature,” Ms Fogarty said.

One patient who is enjoying the changes is Bill Tidmarsh, 67, of Baulkham Hills.

He has been a regular visitor to the chemotherapy centre for the last 10 years.

Since he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Mr Tidmarsh has been receiving treatments every three weeks and said it was a comfortable place to be.

“The good news is that the care has not changed, just the facilities have improved,” Mr Tidmarsh said.

“There’s now more space for treatments, fancy electric chairs and all quite peaceful at the same time.”

Along with the added comfort of the surroundings, Mr Tidmarsh appreciates the long-serving staff who have been with him since he began treatment.

“The nurses always accommodate our needs when they schedule our treatments,” Mr Tidmarsh said.

“They do a great job to make sure they fit in with our lifestyle, work commitments and when other patients we know are having their treatment.”

Clinical nurse consultant Deborah Moran has also witnessed the changes, having worked at the hospital for 11 years. Ms Moran said the best part of the upgrade was the close link between patients and specialists.

“Having the oncologists next door means we can be more efficient to liaise with each other,” Ms Moran said. “It’s great to see such a wide space accommodate patients in a safe environment.”