Welcome
Mater has been committed to providing the community with leading cancer care services for more than 100 years. Our dedicated and experienced team is committed to providing exceptional patient care from diagnosis and throughout treatment, in a compassionate and understanding environment. We are here to ensure that your care is at the centre of everything we do, every day.
This information has been developed to answer some common questions you might have before visiting the centre. We encourage you and your family to ask any questions or raise concerns with the Mater Cancer Care Centre at any time.
Locations
South Brisbane
Level 2, Duncombe Building,
Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane Qld 4101
Private Reception: 07 3163 5222 Email: info.mccc@mater.org.au
Public Reception: 07 3163 5200 Open: 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
Private Inpatient Ward 8 North
Level 8, Mater Private Hospital Brisbane,
Vulture Street, South Brisbane Qld 4101
Telephone: 07 3163 8111 Email: info.mccc@mater.org.au
Public Inpatient Ward 10B
Level 10, Mater Hospital Brisbane,
Vulture Street, South Brisbane Qld 4101
Telephone: 07 3163 8111 Email: info.mccc@mater.org.au
Redland
Mater Private Hospital Redland
Weippin Street, Cleveland Qld 4163
Telephone: 07 3163 7444 Email: info.mccc@mater.org.au
Springfield
Mater Private Hospital Springfield
30 Health Care Drive Springfield Boulevard, Springfield Central Qld 4300
Telephone: 07 3098 5411 Email: info.mccc@mater.org.au
During your visit
Our health care team at Mater Cancer Care Centres are dedicated to ensuring you receive the highest level of medical care and support during your treatment.
On arrival, please make yourself known to the reception team, who will confirm your personal details and billing information with you and guide you to the appropriate waiting or treatment area. Once you have completed your appointment, your next appointment will be made for you.
On your first visit, a doctor and nurse will see you in the consulting rooms to discuss your diagnosis and a treatment plan. Patient treatment programs at Mater Cancer Care Centres are personalised to meet individual care needs and tailored to ensure that every patient receives the highest level of medical care and support during their treatment.
We understand that this can be a very worrying and anxious time for you and your family and highly recommend that you bring a support person with you. They are most welcome to participate in any discussions (with your permission). If you require chemotherapy, education will be provided prior to your treatment.
What to bring to your appointment
- Medicare card
- Any referrals (if applicable)
- A list of all your current medications
- A list of all alternative medications or over the counter medications you are currently taking
- A writing book and pen (write information down)
- Activities to keep you occupied - reading material, music, radio, knitting etc
- For diabetics: please bring your medications you are currently taking and some glucose lollies.
Services
Multidisciplinary team
Your experienced and dedicated treatment team may include doctors, nurses and allied health staff. We understand that cancer can affect other aspects of your life so we may also refer you to our specially trained allied health team for support. Here is a list of some of the different specialities that you may come across while having treatment at Mater Cancer Care Centre.
Oncology
Oncology is the study of cancer. A doctor who specialises in treating people with cancer is called an oncologist. Within the field of oncology, there are four primary speciality areas: medical, surgical, radiation, and haematology. In most cases, these specialist oncologists will work together within your treatment team to provide comprehensive care.
- Medical oncologist – A medical oncologist specialises in treating cancer with chemotherapy (the use of drugs to kill cancer cells) or other medications, such as targeted therapy and oral chemotherapy.
- Surgical oncologist – A surgical oncologist specialises in the removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue during an operation. A surgical oncologist also performs biopsies (the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope).
- Radiation oncologist – A radiation oncologist specialises in treating cancer with radiation therapy (the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to kill cancer cells).
- Haematologist oncologist – A haematologist oncologist specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the blood, such as leukemia, lymphomas, and myelomas.
- Registrar – A junior doctor in training as a cancer specialist.
- Resident – Junior doctor in general training who has not yet specialised.
- Oncology nurse – Provides chemotherapy and supportive treatment.
Palliative and supportive care
Palliative and supportive care professionals work with patients to relieve and prevent suffering, and ensure the best possible quality of life through all stages of their journey.
- Palliative and supportive care consultant – A doctor who specialises in palliative care medicine.
- Palliative and supportive care coordinator – A specialist clinical nurse who provides palliative care support to patients and their families.
- Clinical care coordinator – A clinical care coordinator is responsible for supporting patients to manage their care journey, including development of a care plan and access to multidisciplinary support consistent with their medical and personal needs. There is a dedicated clinical care coordinator for medical oncology, haematology and palliative care.
Allied Health and wellness services
Our specially trained allied health team provides quality support services at all Mater Cancer Care Centre locations. The following services are available to assist patients and their carers during cancer care and recovery.
- Audiology
- Nutrition and dietetics
- Lymphoedema management
- Psychology
- Physiotherapy
- Social work
- Occupational therapy
- Stress reduction and relaxation
- Speech pathology.
Amenities
State-of-the-art facilities
Incorporating state-of-the-art design and technology, Mater Cancer Care Centre provides patients with a safe and comfortable environment, while promoting positive health and well-being. You can expect a modern world-class facility during your care at the centre.
Treatment pods
Treatment pods are designed to give you a relaxed and comfortable experience during your stay. Features include dimmer switches, electronic recliner chairs and technology-friendly ports for smart phones, laptop or tablet connections.
Refreshments
Patients receiving care at Mater Cancer Care Centre are welcome to enjoy something to eat during treatment. Please ask one of our friendly Mater Cancer Care Centre team members for the day’s dining options.
You are more than welcome to bring your own food, especially if you have specific food requirements. There are also coffee shops and cafeterias located both on and off campus.
Pharmacy
Mater Pharmacy stocks special items and retail products suited for patients visiting the Mater Cancer Care System. The pharmacy also utilises an electronic ordering system so that patient medicines are dispensed by the onsite Mater Pharmacist to avoid any delays. The pharmacy is located within Mater Cancer Care Centre at South Brisbane, and across the road at Redland and Springfield.
Mater acknowledges consumer consultation in the development of this patient information.
Mater Doc Num: PI-CLN-440010
Last modified 28/8/2018.
Consumers were consulted in the development of this patient information.
Last consumer engagement date: 18/1/2017
For further translated health information, you can visit healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/ supported by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services that offers a range of patient information in multiple languages.