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.
- Specialist Nurses provide expert knowledge about specific cancers and/or treatments. Part of their role is to help make sure you are in touch with all the health services and professionals relevant to you.
- Community 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.
- Occupational Therapists help you manage daily tasks with special equipment and by advising you on energy conservation and task simplification. They also conduct home assessments and visits, and can advise on pressure care and lymphoedema management.
- Dietitians advise you on nutrition during and after treatment, including what to eat while coping with side effects such as nausea or mouth ulcers.
- Speech Pathologists provide assessment and therapy for swallowing, voice, speech or language difficulties relating to cancer treatment.
- Physiotherapists help improve a patient's physical well-being and quality of life by identifying and treating issues such as walking or balance problems, muscle pain, joint stiffness or rehabilitation.
- 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 - 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 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 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.
- Patient Representatives 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
