Treatment for people in regional and remote communities

Cancer treatments vary and different cancer types may need different treatments.

Some treatments for cancer can be done in remote and regional parts of Australia, but some need to be done in cities.

This page yarns about accessing treatment away from home and some tips others have found useful.

Telehealth

During your cancer treatment you will need to see several health professionals.

Telehealth is one option and uses phone calls and/or video via the internet for different health appointments.

Telehealth is being used more and more by health services, and between people in regional and remote areas. Read some tips on how to prepare for a telehealth consultation.

Some of the benefits are:

less time away from home and family
save on costs for traveling and time of travelling
being able to ask a quick question from your healthcare team.

You might be able to go to a health clinic near home and get help to use their phone or video.

Find out more about telehealth options.

Getting treatment in the city

There might come a time where some part of your cancer treatment has to happen in a city hospital or clinic. Being away from family, mob and Country is hard.

Mostly you will be able to take someone with you, and there will be someone to help you with where to stay and how to get to appointments and treatment.

Click here for information about somewhere to stay and transport, and read about financial support too.

Before leaving home…

If you must go to the city for treatment, here are some tips before leaving home and leaving Country:

Ask your doctor who can travel with you and for how long can they stay with you.
Make some plans on how and when to keep in touch with people back home.
Contact any mob you know in the city who could visit you.
Ask your doctor about what items you could bring from home and Country to give you comfort. Think of things to look forward to for when you get back home or back on Country.
Let other people know how you are feeling. It is important so you can get the right help for you while you are away from home.

Services

The Royal Flying Doctor Service

The Royal Flying Doctor Service has doctors and nurses who visit, and they can take you to the city if its urgent. Call 1800 625 800 or visit the website.