Kyneton Health’s Cancer Care Enhanced Thanks to Macedon Ranges Community

Published May 30, 2025

Central Highlands Rural Health put the call out for help and they are pleased to announce that the community have dug deep and donated over $50,000 to the Oncology department at the Kyneton Health campus! The target was reached when members of the Kyneton Uniting Church Community Op Shop asked how much was needed and gave an incredible $17,847.55!

Susan Whitfield, Acting Director of Clinical Operations, Central Highlands Rural Health, said,

“We are thrilled to have received so much support from the community. Our Oncology team will undertake training in the use of the scalp cooler and then it will be introduced to our patients. We know that locals have been travelling to other health services to gain access to a scalp cooler and we are grateful that we can now enhance our care at Kyneton Health.”

Oncology nurses at the health service requested the 'scalp cooling machine' to minimise the impact of cancer treatment and support patient wellbeing. Patients receiving chemotherapy treatment often experience hair loss which can be physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing.

We spoke to our donors about what the hospital and the scalp cooler mean to the Macedon Ranges community. Below are quotes from a handful of the many generous donors to the Scalp Cooler Appeal.

Kathleen Wyatt, Kyneton Uniting Church Community Op Shop, said,

“The Kyneton Uniting Church Community Op Shop is run entirely by volunteers. We pride ourselves on supporting our local community. Christine Stephenson, one of our volunteers, has been a patient at the Oncology Unit. Christine has shared that the loss of your hair during treatment impacts your dignity. For country people to have the same opportunities as city people, taking the travel out of treatment eases the financial burden as well as easing the physical impact on the patient, their family and friends.

Linda Stathopoulos said,

“This scalp cooler will make a big difference to how people approach their treatment. Losing your hair is very distressing and all-consuming. I used it while undergoing my chemotherapy for breast cancer, it works and makes the situation easier to deal with.”

Dr Alison Killoh said,

“I fondly remember the bed race from the old Kyneton Hospital in Simpson St to the then new hospital in Caroline Chisholm Drive. There was some fierce competition between the medical practitioners and nursing teams and that it was a lot of fun for a great cause! It’s great that the community is supporting this vital equipment.”

Individuals, businesses and community groups responded to a letter to the community from CHRH’s CEO Maree Cuddihy in March 2025 and donated $40,000 in under 2 months. This has been added to funding from Spirit de Cure and Suncorp who contributed $10,000 in August 2024 to kick-off the appeal.

Central Highlands Rural Health is proud of the high-quality care that patients receive in our friendly and compassionate setting at Kyneton Health. If you or a loved one needs more information about cancer care in the Macedon Ranges please contact Kyneton Health on 5422 9000 or visit www.chrh.org.au

Oncology Services

Oncology services are offered at Kyneton Health, providing care for patients with cancer and related illnesses. The service also includes a range of treatment options including chemotherapy and other supportive therapies such as blood transfusions and immunotherapy.

Oncology Support

HEALTHY MIND & MOVEMENT - Exercise for physical & mental health. An initiative by Central Highlands Rural Health in collaboration with Cancer Council Victoria to ‘Support the Macedon Ranges in patient-centred oncology care.’ Our 12-week program includes weekly exercise and education sessions to assist people living with cancer and manage the impacts on their physical and mental wellbeing.

Central Highlands Rural Health’s The Best Care Project welcomes donations to enhance healthcare for rural Victorians. If you can make a one-off or regular donation please visit Kyneton Health’s reception, contact Kathryn Kosloff, Engagement & Fundraising Manager, P: 0439 705 039 or E: giving@chrh.org.au or visit www.chrh.org.au/donate

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