• Getting support

    Having cancer is a frightening and emotional experience; it is common for everyone involved to feel confused, upset and even angry. To help patients, families and carers during these times, the Sydney Cancer Centre at RPA offers a range of support programs.

    Below is some information on the programs currently available at the Sydney Cancer Centre. For more detailed information contact the Sydney Cancer Centre Info-Line on 02 9515 6677 or drop into the Cancer Information and Support Centre located on Level 3, Gloucester House at RPA on Missenden Road.

    Other support

    With so many specialists on our team, it can be difficult to keep up with their roles. This section outlines some of the people you may meet, how they may be able to help you and how you can contact them. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or phone the Sydney Cancer Centre Info-Line on 02 9515 6677. You may also contact some services directly - specific contact details are listed below.

    Community Health Nurses 

    Community Health Nurses provide nursing care for people in their homes including wound treatment, medication, management of bowel and incontinence problems, palliative care and organising support for patients and carers. Your hospital team or GP can arrange a referral for you.

    Patient Representatives  

    Community Nurses work with you and your health care team to resolve any questions or complaints you may have regarding your care.

    They can be contacted for a confidential talk, or you can ask a staff member to contact the Patient Representative on your behalf.


    • RPA Hospital - 02 9515 5115

    • Concord Hospital - 02 9767 7488

    Spiritual Support  

    Spiritual Support is provided by chaplains and representatives of a range of faiths and beliefs: 



    • RPA Hospital - 02 9515 7997
    • Concord Hospital - 02 9767 5000 (ask for the Duty Chaplain)

    The Aboriginal Liaison Officer  

    The Aboriginal Liaison Officer works with other healthcare professionals to ensure that the specific needs of indigenous patients, their families and carers are addressed. For information call 02 9515 9902.

    The Health Care Interpreter Service  

    The Health Care Interpreter Service is a free and confidential service for patients who have difficulty understanding or communicating in English. It is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Ask your healthcare professional to arrange an interpreter or call 02 9515 9500.

    The Palliative Care Service  

    The Palliative Care Service uses a combination of medical treatment, nursing, social work, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. This service can help all patients with symptoms from cancer or treatment, and helps people who have advanced cancer with the practical problems of daily life. It also provides support for relatives and other carers of patients who have been referred to the service. For more information contact the Palliative Care team on:



    • RPA Hospital - 02 9515 7755

    • Concord Hospital - 02 9767 6799

    More information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 

    Cancer Council NSW 

    Aboriginal Cancer Journeys (PDF 557KB)