THE East Grampians Health Service Oncology Unit will mark 20 years of service to the Ararat and wider community in February.
The Oncology Unit will mark its 20th birthday with an afternoon tea on Wednesday February 11 at 3pm with an invitation extended to anyone who has been involved with the unit over the past 20 years, including patients, volunteers, donors and past 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 greater 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 in the south end of first floor (now the dialysis unit.)
Oncology Unit to mark 20 years of service
