Chemotherapy
Hunter Blood Group delivers modern chemotherapy for a wide range of blood cancers and haematological conditions across the Newcastle, Hunter Valley, and Lake Macquarie regions. Treatment is available as tablets, day patient injections, or intravenous infusions at private and public hospitals, with home-based options for privately insured patients. Our haematologists manage care for adults aged 16 years and over.
How chemotherapy is delivered
Oral chemotherapy
Tablet-based treatment taken at home with regular haematologist monitoring and blood tests
Day patient injections
Short-duration injections administered during a day visit to a private or public hospital
Intravenous infusions
Longer infusion sessions delivered in a hospital day unit under nursing supervision
Home delivery
Treatment administered at home via chemo@home for privately insured patients
Side effect management
Modern anti-nausea and supportive medications significantly reduce treatment side effects
Personalised protocols
Regimens tailored to diagnosis, staging, and individual patient factors for optimal outcomes
Where is chemotherapy treatment available?
Private hospitals
Privately insured patients can receive chemotherapy at the following hospitals throughout the Hunter and New England regions:
- Lake Macquarie Private Hospital
- Newcastle Private Hospital
- Maitland Private Hospital
- Forster Private Hospital
- chemo@home (home-based treatment for privately insured patients)
Public hospitals
Chemotherapy is also available through the public hospital system at major centres across the Hunter and New England regions, including Newcastle, Muswellbrook, Taree, and Tamworth. The cost of private chemotherapy is comparable to the public system.
Home-based treatment
Privately insured patients may be eligible to receive chemotherapy at home through the chemo@home service. This option provides the convenience of treatment in your own home under the supervision of specialist oncology nurses, with all care coordinated by your Hunter Blood Group haematologist.
What to expect during chemotherapy
- 1 Referral and diagnosis — Your GP or specialist refers you to Hunter Blood Group. Your haematologist reviews your history, confirms the diagnosis, and determines the most appropriate treatment protocol.
- 2 Treatment planning — A personalised chemotherapy regimen is designed based on your condition, overall health, and individual circumstances. Your haematologist explains the protocol, expected duration, and potential side effects. Our Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) coordinates your treatment schedule and provides education and support throughout your care.
- 3 Treatment delivery — Chemotherapy is administered at your chosen hospital, at home, or as oral medication depending on your protocol. Modern supportive medications are provided to manage side effects.
- 4 Monitoring and follow-up — Regular blood tests and consultations track your response. Your treatment plan is adjusted as needed, and ongoing care is coordinated with your GP.
Modern side effect management
Advances in supportive care mean that chemotherapy side effects are now significantly better managed than in the past. Modern anti-nausea medications, growth factor support, and proactive monitoring allow most patients to maintain a reasonable quality of life during treatment.
Cost of treatment
Beyond pharmacy fees and health fund excess where applicable, there are generally no additional out-of-pocket costs for private chemotherapy at Hunter Blood Group. Speak with our administration team if you have any questions about costs for your treatment protocol.
Age requirement
Hunter Blood Group provides chemotherapy for adults aged 16 years and over only. Patients under 16 should be referred to a paediatric haematologist or oncologist.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral for chemotherapy?
Yes. All chemotherapy at Hunter Blood Group requires a referral from a GP or specialist. Your haematologist will assess your condition, confirm the diagnosis, and design a treatment plan before chemotherapy begins.
Can I receive chemotherapy at home?
Privately insured patients may be eligible for home-based chemotherapy through the chemo@home service. Treatment is administered by specialist oncology nurses and supervised by your haematologist. Your eligibility depends on your treatment protocol and insurance cover.
How much does chemotherapy cost at Hunter Blood Group?
Beyond pharmacy fees and health fund excess where applicable, there are generally no additional out-of-pocket costs for private chemotherapy at Hunter Blood Group. Our administration team can answer any questions about costs for your specific treatment protocol.
What are the side effects of modern chemotherapy?
Side effects vary depending on the specific chemotherapy regimen. Modern supportive medications, including anti-nausea drugs and growth factor support, have significantly improved the tolerability of treatment. Your haematologist will discuss the expected side effects of your specific protocol and provide a plan to manage them.
Need to discuss chemotherapy options?
Submit a referral or call 02 4092 7788.