CANCER CARE COORDINATORS

Our Cancer Care Coordinators are here to help support and guide you throughout your cancer journey. They are ready to help you and your family plot a course through the system of care. With a focus on your comfort and convenience, this nursing expert provides the understanding care you want and deserve, when you need it most.

It made such a difference having this wonderful person who was just at the end of the phone if I needed her or was in strife. I would say to my husband – ring the Care Coordinator, they will know what to do. EA Seven Hills

What is a Cancer Care Coordinator?

Our Cancer Care Coordinators are Clinical Nurse Consultants (CNC) or Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) with advanced expertise in oncology. They are knowledgeable about cancer and the resources available to treat it.

From the time you are diagnosed with cancer, the Cancer Care Coordinator is available as a highly specialised and valuable member of your medical team and will provide personalised cancer care for you and your family.

You will usually be introduced or given contact details for your Cancer Care Coordinator soon after your initial visit, keep this information close to hand in case you have questions or problems you wish to discuss.

Within our Network we currently have Cancer Care Coordinators available to patients for the following groupings of cancer.

bowel cancer / gastric cancer / oesphageal cancer / pancreatic cancer
gynaecological cancer
haematological cancer and blood disorders
head and neck cancer
lung cancer / mesothelioma

What does a Cancer Care Coordinator do?

Serving as a vital link between you and your treating specialists, Cancer Care Coordinators ensure appropriate education, support and resources are provided.

In addition, the Cancer Care Coordinators can:

Help you understand your treatment plan by consulting with you and your family members to describe the comprehensive spectrum of services available
Assist with finding answers to medical questions by assessing the individual needs of you and your family, and providing the necessary education, information and resource materials.

“My patients call when they are unwell and they don’t know what to do or who to see. A lot of what I do is helping to keep people out of hospital and at home with their families.”

Dianne Head, Clinical Nurse Consultant

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Frequently Asked Questions

What hours are you available?

Cancer Care Coordinators are available to referred patients Monday to Friday during the above listed hours. If we are with patients we may not answer your call, however if you leave a message on our answering machine, someone will return your call. It is important you leave your full name, contact number and the name of your Cancer Care Coordinator.

What happens if I need help or advice after hours?

If you are unwell after hours, please do not leave a message on our answering machine as it is not attended to overnight, weekends or public holidays. Please see your GP or if urgent ring an ambulance or present to your nearest hospital emergency department and remember to present your medical alert card.

I have private insurance, so why do I need to go to Westmead/Blacktown Hospital if I am unwell?

Most of our Oncologists aren’t available to see patients who are admitted to a private hospital. Most of our Oncologists don’t do ward rounds at affiliated private hospitals however, they all do ward rounds at Westmead / Blacktown Hospital.

Who do I call if my nurse is unavailable?

Whilst each Cancer Care Coordinator works within specific cancer types, all of our Cancer Care Coordinators are experienced cancer care nurses who can support you if your allocated Cancer Care Coordinator is not available .

What type of support can my Cancer Care Coordinator provide?

We can provide education and support regarding cancer treatment and its side effects as well as pain and symptom control management. They can also help you understand your treatment plan and help you manage the challenges associated with your care. If you are unwell during business hours, we prefer you to call us, so we can advise you on the appropriate course of action.

What happens if I get admitted to another hospital?

You should contact your Cancer Care Coordinator as soon as possible (Mon-Fri) to let them know which hospital you are have been admitted. It is also important that the treating team are in communication with the admission hospital to ensure that your care is coordinated.

Patient and Carer Information Resources

Below are a number of valuable educational resources for cancer patients, their carers and family members.

Beyond Blue

Beyondblue is working to reduce the impact of depression and anxiety in the community by raising awareness and understanding, empowering people to seek help, and supporting recovery, management and resilience.

Breast Cancer Network Australia

Resource for Australians affected by breast cancer

Cancer Council NSW

A valuable resource for cancer care information.

Cancer Institute NSW EVIQ

EVIQ for Patients and Carers: A comprehensive resource guide to understanding cancer and cancer treatments

Canrefer

Canrefer is a directory set up by the Cancer Institute NSW to help general practitioners, other health professionals, patients and their family members find cancer services by cancer type and location in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.