ONCOLOGY NEWS
16 The Ramsay Way 2019 | 03
Oncology Nurse Clinic
available at The Border
Cancer Hospital
A new avenue for support, advice and nurse-led
treatments is now available for patients of
The Border Cancer Hospital.
The pilot Oncology Nurse Clinic was launched in May
and is designed to assist cancer patients in recognising
and managing their symptoms early in order to avoid
having to attend the emergency department or delay their
cancer treatment.
Medical Oncologist Dr Craig Underhill, who is the Clinical
Director Cancer Services, Albury Wodonga Health, said the
innovative clinic was established in order to improve oncology
patient care, services and outcomes, with funding from the
Department of Health and Human Services Victoria pilot
grant scheme.
“Staffed by Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists, the clinic
functions as a telephone/walk-in service for self-referred
day oncology patients, providing symptom assessment
and management of systemic anti-cancer treatment related
toxicities,” he said.
“A telehealth site is being explored as part of the phase two
of the pilot, which would enable the clinic to expand its
services to assist remote patients.
“This pilot project has specific inclusion conditions, and
as such some patients will not be appropriate for the clinic.
If you are unsure of a patient’s suitability, please phone the
Oncology Nurse Clinic to discuss.”
The eligibility criteria includes self-referrals from patients
of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre who are
receiving anti-cancer therapies (or have done within the
last three month) such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy,
targeted therapy (tablets) or hormone therapy treatment,
and are experiencing symptoms and side effects related
to their therapy.
It is not suitable for radiotherapy only patients, or those
seeking scripts, referrals or treatments that relate to their
Oncologist appointment.
Patients who need to add, change or cancel their treatment,
or want further advice about interventions identified during
an appointment with their doctor should contact the Day
Oncology nurse unit manager on 02 6064 1481.
Staff at the clinic are also unable to assist patients to complete
administrative tasks such as transport forms, or provide
advice or support for planned private patient admissions.
The Oncology Nurse Clinic is open 9am–4pm Monday to
Friday (closed NSW public holidays) at Albury Wodonga
Regional Cancer Centre’s Border Cancer Hospital. Patients
are encouraged to phone the clinic on (02) 6064 1583 before
presenting in person.
Getting to the bottom of bowel cancer awareness
at Strathfield Private Hospital
Strathfield Private Hospital has held two successful events to raise awareness of Australia’s second most
common type of newly diagnosed cancer during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
The hospital hosted a bowel cancer community seminar at the
Burwood RSL Club on 19 June in conjunction with colorectal
surgeon Dr Michael Suen.
This was a forum for members of the public to learn
about bowel cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment
options. Members of the public travelled across Sydney to
attend the event which was described by attendees
as highly informative.
Dr Suen, who has expertise in bowel cancer prevention and
minimally invasive bowel cancer treatment, is encouraging more
people to get screened.
“90 per cent of bowel cancer cases can be treated successfully
if they are detected early,” he said.
Dr Suen said a few of the common reasons why people do not
take the test include a lack of knowledge about bowel cancer, a
belief that ‘they don’t have the time’ to do the screening, and a
lack of understanding of the instructions to complete the test.
Staff also set up an information booth at Strathfield Private
Hospital, where 35 members of the public interacted with
clinical nurse consultant (stomal therapy) Maureen O’Shannessy
and dietitian Simone Launt-Peters about the topic of screening
and healthy eating habits.
A new level of cancer care at
Greenslopes Private Hospital
The Cancer Wellness Program at Greenslopes Private Hospital has continued to grow rapidly since
it was funded and launched by the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation (GMRF) in 2017.
Over the past 12 months, the program has provided support
and advice to more than 460 patients, their carers and
support networks.
Program Coordinator Amanda Lucas facilitates a range of
seminars and activities which complement the hospitals
existing oncology departments with a holistic approach to
cancer care to optimise patients health and wellbeing during
their cancer journey.
“We have focused primarily on monthly education sessions
which provide our patients and their carers’ with practical
tools and emotional support to assist in managing their
cancer treatment and mental wellbeing,” Ms Lucas said.
The program covers a variety of topics relevant to patients
undergoing cancer treatment, such as:
• Finance, superannuation
• Stress Management,
and legal services
essential oils, mental
• Exercise and nutrition
health self-care
• Survivorship
• Journaling and yoga
• Caring for carers
“Many want to learn about the traditional, ancient and
practical therapies out there, but in the safety of a hospital
setting, knowing the presenters we find are trained and
professional,” Ms Lucas said.
The feedback from the program has been overwhelmingly
positive, with patients feeling empowered in navigating
cancer treatment, and supported by health professionals
and a community of fellow cancer patients.
The growth and success of the program has prompted
GMRF, together with Greenslopes Private Hospital, to look
to the future and plan for an expanded program with the
capacity to support even more patients and families.
“The first two years of this program have been a great
success. However, we are still not getting to everyone on
the program; more can be done to support the patients,
their families and carers. The Cancer Wellness Program has
the potential to develop into a flagship program that other
centres can look to.”
Plans for expansion include more regular seminars and
activities such as craft and yoga as well as an online
platform for patients and their support networks to access
to important information.