Relocation for treatment for leukaemia: a description of need

As rural Queenslanders are isolated geographically due to dispersed population patterns, they are often required to travel long distances to access services, especially services of a specialist nature. The distress of this relocation for treatment is particularly intensified for patients with leukaemia and associated haematological disorders and their carers, as they must often relocate for long periods of time and face invasive and demanding treatments away from the comfort of their own homes. Because such treatments are now highly technical and specialised, even patients from more urbanised areas are also required to relocate for prolonged specialist treatment not available locally. Consequently, for many rural and urban patients with leukaemia, relocation for specialist treatment is a major concern. This discussion presents findings from recent research on a Queensland Government initiative, the Patient Transit Assistance Scheme, designed to address this concern. These findings indicate a high level of hardship for these patients and their families who must travel long distances, often relocate for long periods, and endure additional financial burdens at a time when a majority are dependent on government assistance.