Grampians Health has expanded its haematology service, providing patients and clinicians across its sites with around-the-clock access to a haematologist.

Grampians Health head of haematology Swe Htet said the 24-7 service was indicative of the organisation’s commitment to strengthening specialist services across its sites.

A growing team of haematologists, who treat blood disorders and cancers such as leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma, will deliver the expanded service through clinics in Horsham, Stawell and Ballarat.

Grampians Health leaders expect the frequency of clinics in Horsham to increase within the next six months.

Dr Htet said the team was also looking to start performing bone-marrow biopsies in Horsham, removing a need for patients to travel to Ballarat for the procedures.

He said the 24-7 model was designed to reduce health inequity and ensure patients across the region received timely, specialist care close to home.

“Our goal is to deliver the same level of specialist haematology care available in metropolitan areas,” he said.

“By providing round-the-clock support and expanding outreach services, we are reducing unnecessary travel for those in the region and ensuring patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

Patients requiring specialist care previously needed to travel to Melbourne, or were transferred if they needed extensive or immediate care.

Dr Htet said a recent emergency case highlighted the impact of the round-the-clock service.

A patient from Stawell presented after hours with a life-threatening white-cell count and suspected acute leukaemia.

After an immediate review by the Grampians Health haematology team, the patient received urgent chemotherapy in Ballarat the same night – treatment that Dr Htet said likely saved their life.

The patient remained locally throughout their care and is now in remission.

Dr Htet said Grampians Health doctors understood the needs of their communities because they lived and worked in the region and tailored their treatment plans accordingly.

“This means fewer unnecessary transfers, quicker access to treatment, and more patients being safely managed close to home,” he said.

Grampians Health chief operating officer Ben Kelly said the health service had grown its haematology team in the past two years, with seven part-time consultants and three junior doctors, including an accredited advanced trainee who supports day-to-day continuity of care.

He said the growth had strengthened the unit’s ability to manage acute presentations, oversee inpatient and outpatient care, and enhance training opportunities for future regional specialists. 

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