Quality and commitment
The Division of Cancer Services conforms to the highest level of guidelines established by the Haematology Society of Australia for treatment of haematological malignancies. All specialist medical staff within the division have appropriate credentials for their clinical roles and all are Fellows of the Royal Australian College of Physicians (Haematologists, Medical Oncologists and Palliative Care Physician).
The division has been the first center in Australia to introduce the CHARM electronic chemotherapy prescribing and scheduling system, improving the safety and efficiency of chemotherapy protocol application. The system is constantly updated to maintain the most modern protocols, as well as innovative and potentially superior treatments.
The Division of Cancer Services has as its central goal the creation of a comprehensive cancer centre providing a seamless service covering all aspects of cancer diagnosis, treatment and supportive care. Close integration of radiation oncology services with medical and surgical oncology services both with regard to clinical and research activity is a priority. Multidisciplinary team discussion of all new patients is the basic principal of management planning.
The Division has placed particular emphasis on best practice oncology treatment to:
- enable delivery of high quality evidence-based care
- implement and utilise effective new treatment strategies
- involve the multidisciplinary team at all stages of management
- reduce hospital stay and increase ambulatory care
- encourage clinical research to improve patient care.
Innovative service delivery models include:
- outreach satellite centres
- rapid access treatment pathways
- integrated care networks with other providers
- integrated complimentary and supportive therapy
- routine involvement of the allied health team in all aspects of care.
The palliative care service has a focus on the continuum of care and has developed linkages with local and regional hospices, hospitals and community teams. We recognize and value the members of the multidisciplinary team and their expertise in the areas of pharmacy, pastoral care, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, psychology, social work and speech and language therapy.
Ongoing education for medical, nursing and allied health personnel is of paramount importance. Medical education is at senior, postgraduate and undergraduate levels and includes accredited advanced training in haematology, oncology and palliative care. There is a ward based nurse educator to assist nursing staff develop as experienced cancer nurses. There is a nurse co-ordinator to aid in the transition of patients from the outpatient service to the chemotherapy service and a palliative care nurse coordinator who facilitates appropriate discharge planning, community referrals and supports patients, families and staff. Courses in cancer nursing have been developed which have university accreditation. Allied health personnel are active in providing care of the highest quality to patients who require acute complex treatment and intense supportive and palliative care.