Cancer Care Services (draft)

The Caboolture Hospital Cancer Care Service is dedicated to supporting you through a cancer diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. We provide specialist services to the Moreton Bay, Caboolture and Kilcoy region, so you can receive cancer care closer to your home.

Finding out that you or someone close to you has cancer can be one of the hardest things to hear, and you will have many questions. We can provide answers and offer guidance as you may face some difficult decisions about potential treatment options.

Our services

• Radiation oncology consultation
• Medical oncology consultation (delivered by Metro North Cancer Care Services)
• Additional support during your cancer journey by referring you to the most appropriate healthcare team to meet your needs (including palliative care)
• Information and education about diagnosis and treatment options
• Access to a dedicated Cancer Care Coordinator
• Help coordinating tests, treatments and appointments
• Explanation about tests and procedures.
• Haematology consultation (delivered by Metro North Cancer Care Services)
• Pharmacy clinics
• We have eigth treatment chairs/beds to provide:
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Blood product support

What to bring

How to access this service

You will need a referral letter from your GP or medical practitioner to access this service. Your doctor will need to send your referral letter to the service through the Central Patient Intake service.

You will receive a confirmation letter advising you of your outpatient appointment and what to do next.

Where to go

Radiation Oncology clinic consultations are held in the Specialist Outpatient Department.

For any Radiation Oncology clinic enquiries please contact the Specialist Outpatient Department on (07) 5433 8474.

Haematology and Medical Oncology clinic consultations and treatments (e.g. infusions and chemotherapy services) are held in the Day Chemotherapy Unit in the Main Hospital Building.

For any Haematology and Medical Oncology clinic enquiries please contact the Day Chemotherapy Unit on (07) 5316 5060.

What to expect

Before your appointment

Blood tests

A blood test may be required before your appointment or treatment.  You should have your blood collected on a day prior to attending the service (e.g. Friday or Saturday if it is a Monday appointment) If this is not possible and you are having a blood test on the same day, the blood collected needs to be done at least 3 hours before your appointment time.

Private pathology services are available within your local area; however you will need to check with your doctor regarding the best option for you.

Public pathology services are also available at:

• Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
• The Prince Charles Hospital
• Caboolture Hospital
• Nambour Hospital
• Redcliffe Hospital

For more information visit the Pathology Queensland website.

When you arrive

You may see medical staff, Cancer Care Coordinators and allied health professionals during your visit.

You will have separate appointments with you doctor for your clinic consultation and for your treatment. Your doctor or nurse will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Registration

Always register with Cancer Care Reception on the Ground Floor before any appointment or treatment. Please let us know if you have any special requirements for your visit with us.

Appointment times

Appointment times are a guide to when you will be seen by your doctor and receive treatment. We may need to attend to patients who require urgent attention, which can cause unexpected delays.

You should notify staff if you have been waiting more that 1 hour to see the doctor to receive treatment.

Feeling unwell?

If you feel unwell while you are here, please let the staff know immediately. In an emergency, nursing and medical staff are available to provide treatment.

Please do not come to the Caboolture Day Chemotherapy Unit if you require urgent medical attention. Go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

When you leave

Pharmacy

Your doctor may prescribe medications for you to take at home.

Some chemotherapy-related medications are available from the pharmacy located inside Cancer Care Services. Other medications may need to be dispensed from a community pharmacy.

Check with your Pharmacist if this applies to your prescription.

Your next appointment

The doctor may need to see you before each treatment. This will depend on your treatment regime and your individual requirements.

The doctor will discuss with you your plan of care and when you need to have another blood test.

Facilities and services

Cancer Care Services offers other services which your doctor may request you attend. These include:

• Cancer Care Coordination clinic
• Allied Health services including Social Work, Psychology, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy
• Palliative Care

Transport and parking

Concessional parking in the Caboolture Hospital is available to eligible patients. Please speak to our friendly staff for more information.

1. Train to Caboolture Station:
   • The train from Griffin to Caboolture will likely involve a connection to another station. You’ll need to check the Translink website for the most up-to-date train schedules and potential connection points. For train information please visit www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.
2. Bus from Caboolture Station to the Hospital:
   • From Caboolture Station you can take bus route 655 to the Caboolture Hospital stop (McKean St at Caboolture Hospital). For bus information please visit www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.
3. Walking from Caboolture Station:
   • Alternatively, Caboolture Train Station is approximately a 15-minute walk to the hospital.