Oncology unit closure leaves elderly cancer patient devastated, looking for new care

Today it was revealed Margaret Rankine is one of about 200 patients in limbo.

She has been travelling to the Western Hospital for chemotherapy treatment for the past seven years.

Margaret Rankine is one of about 200 patients in limbo after the closure of South Australia’s Western Hospital’s oncology unit. (9News)

“They become part of the family; the nurses are absolutely fantastic,” she said.

The news of the unit’s closure emerged last Friday after a potential buyer fell through.

It’s understood patients will still be able to access consultations at the site but won’t be able to get chemotherapy.

The administrators say Western Hospital is reaching out to patients individually to make the transition to a new provider. 

The administrators say Western Hospital is reaching out to patients individually to make the transition to a new provider.  (9News)

It’s expected everyone affected will be contacted by the end of Thursday.

“If I go somewhere like (Lyell McEwin Hospital) … I’d have to get another oncologist which I’m not that keen on,” Rankine said.

“I’ll just have to do with what goes.”

A buyer for the remainder of the hospital is set to be announced by the end of the week.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.

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