Download From Diagnosis: Taking the Next Step

From Diagnosis:
Taking the Next Step
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iconcancercare.com.au
Wesley
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Contents
Welcome 4
About Icon Cancer Care
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Our Service Commitment
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Making a Suggestion or Complaint
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Icon Cancer Care Wesley
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Newly Diagnosed: The Next Step
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Preparing for treatment
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Starting Treatment 13
Understanding Fees
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Privacy and Personal Information
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Getting General Support
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Getting Specific Support
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Useful Websites33
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Notes34
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Welcome
Our service commitment
We welcome you and your family to Icon Cancer Care Wesley. Our aim is to provide you
with exceptional personalised care.
Icon Cancer Care is committed to the provision of safe, high quality healthcare.
We strongly support:
A cancer diagnosis can be confronting and overwhelming for patients and their families.
We know you are likely to have many questions, such as
¬¬ what now?
¬¬ what questions should I ask my doctor?
¬¬ the Australian Charter of Health Care Rights - which describes the rights of
everyone using the Australian health system: safetyandquality.gov.au
¬¬ the Australian Government’s Private Patients’ Hospital Charter – which outlines
the rights and responsibilities of a private patient in a public or private hospital:
health.gov.au
¬¬ how do I access services at Icon Cancer Care?
¬¬ where can I gain additional support?
This information booklet has been developed to complement the information provided
by your doctor and Icon Cancer Care staff. We hope this information helps you navigate
your journey from diagnosis to treatment. We are here to support you. Please feel free to
discuss any of the information in this booklet with your doctor or our friendly and caring
team at Icon Cancer Care.
Making a suggestion or complaint
Should any part of your care not meet your expectations we encourage you, your family
or your carer/s to make a suggestion or complaint.
For further information about making a complaint or suggestion please see Icon patient
information sheet ‘Making a Suggestion or Complaint’.
About Icon Cancer Care
We are Australia’s largest private provider of cancer care, managing more than 77,000
patient visits each year across our day hospitals. All of the doctors we work with are
experienced and highly qualified in cancer care. Many of our doctors are recognised
internationally in their field.
We understand that for each of our patients cancer is a personal experience. Our team of
caring health professionals and administrative support staff strive to provide exceptional
care and meet the individual needs of each patient, their family and carers.
For more information about us, visit iconcancercare.com.au.
Our aim is to provide
you with exceptional
personalised care.
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Icon Cancer Care Wesley
Patient services
We strive to make patients, their family and carers as comfortable as possible during
their visit with us. We offer consultation rooms for appointments with your doctor and
a specialised day hospital that provides a full range of treatments for people diagnosed
with cancer or blood conditions. We have extensive experience in providing a range of
treatments including:
¬ ¬ administration of chemotherapy
¬ ¬ administration of blood and products
¬ ¬ administration of antibiotics
Centre hours
Icon Cancer Care Wesley is open Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 7:30pm.
Contact information
Icon Cancer Care Wesley
Wesley Medical Centre
Level 1, 40 Chasely Street
Auchnflower QLD 4066
P 07 3737 4500
F 07 3737 4501
¬ ¬ bone marrow biopsy
¬ ¬ lumbar puncture
¬ ¬ venesection
Clinical trials
Through the Icon Cancer Foundation, Icon Cancer Care Wesley is able to give patients
access to new and emerging advances in cancer treatment. In some cases allowing
patients to receive additional treatment options, beyond standard care.
The Icon Cancer Foundation is a registered charity made up of specialist research
nurses and clinical trial coordinators. With our participating doctors and through
partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and research organisations – big and
small – we manage and coordinate first-class clinical research trials both nationally
and internationally.
For more information about Icon Cancer Foundation’s clinical trials, please speak with
your doctor or visit iconcancercare.com.au
Contacting your Icon Cancer Care doctor during centre hours
The majority of Icon Cancer Care doctors can be contacted during normal centre hours on
07 3737 4500. Please ask the telephone switchboard operator for your doctor by name
and they will advise how your call will be managed.
Contacting your Icon Cancer Care doctor after-hours
The majority of Icon Cancer Care doctors can be contacted after-hours on
1300 4266 00. Please ask the telephone switchboard operator for your doctor by name
and they will advise how your call will be managed.
Contacting an Icon Cancer Care nurse after-hours
An after-hours on call nursing service is available outside centre hours to patients
receiving treatment at home via an infusion pump. The after-hours nurse can be
contacted on 1300 4266 00. Please ask the telephone switchboard operator for the
after-hours nurse on call. The after-hours nurse can provide over the telephone advice on
managing infusion pumps and central venous access devices.
Obtaining help in an emergency
In the event of an emergency please call 000.
Parking
Parking is available within the grounds of the Wesley Hospital (hourly rates apply).
Internet access
Complimentary wireless internet access is available to patients in our waiting room and
day hospital.
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Newly diagnosed: the next step
Many patients feel unable to take in all of the details of their diagnosis, when they first
receive the news. It’s possible, too, to forget the details and feel as though you don’t have
a full understanding of your diagnosis.
At your next visit to the centre you may like to ask your doctor some of the following
questions.
Questions to ask your doctor
¬¬ what type of cancer do I have?
¬¬ what is the stage of my cancer?
¬¬ what are my treatment options?
¬¬ are any clinical trials open to me?
¬¬ what type of treatment do you recommend and why?
¬¬ what is the goal of treatment?
Public transport
¬¬ how will treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise etc.
The centre is approximately 50 metres from the Auchenflower railway station. The bus
stop on Coronation Drive is within walking distance. For public transport information,
timetables and maps visit translink.com.au
¬¬ what long-term side effects may be associated with my cancer treatment?
Café
¬¬ will treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children?
¬¬ who can provide me with information about the cost of my treatment?
¬¬ who can I call if I have questions or problems?
The Rose Cafe on the ground floor of the Wesley Medical Centre offers lunch and snacks.
Pharmacy
Our Icon pharmacy can dispense all medications relating to your treatment. They can also
dispense and deliver any other medications to you while you are at our day hospital.
Smoke-free environment
Icon Cancer Care Wesley is smoke free. Please speak with your doctor if you require nicotine
replacement therapy or support to help you quit smoking.
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Preparing for treatment
Pre-admission clinic – information sessions
Supporting patients from culturally diverse and non English
speaking backgrounds
Before you start treatment we invite you to attend our complimentary pre-admission
clinic. The pre-admission clinic is a group information session, run by a registered nurse
with assistance from a pharmacist and patient admissions officer.
We are able to provide patients and their families from culturally diverse and non-English
speaking backgrounds with access to appropriate support.
At pre-admission clinic we aim to:
An interpreter in your preferred language can be arranged. Fees for interpreter services
are charged to the patient, for doctor appointments with no day hospital treatment. For
patients having treatment in the day hospital interpreter fees are covered by Icon Cancer
Care.
If you or your family member requires an interpreter or cultural support please notify your
doctor’s secretary when making your appointment.
Supporting patients with diverse needs
¬¬ hearing impairment – if you or your family member requires an interpreter service
for hearing impairment please notify your doctor’s secretary when making an
appointment. In some cases fees for interpreter services may apply
¬¬ patients with guide, hearing and assistance dogs – patients with a certified guide,
hearing or assistance dog have the same access rights as other members of the
public. Guide, hearing and assistance dogs are excluded from accessing some
clinical areas within the day hospital. Please notify your doctor’s secretary prior to
your appointment to ensure no disruption to your care
¬¬ dietary needs – please notify your doctor’s secretary, in advance of your
appointment, if you have any special dietary requirements
Making appointments
Appointments with your doctor or for treatment in the day hospital can be made, in
person or over the telephone, with our friendly medical secretaries and day hospital
receptionists.
Day hospital appointment times are allocated according to the length of time it will take
to administer your treatment.
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let your doctor’s secretary know as
soon as possible so that we can work with you to arrange another suitable time.
Phone Icon Cancer Care Wesley on 07 3737 4500.
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¬¬ improve your knowledge of chemotherapy treatments and possible side effects
¬¬ reduce possible anxiety about your chemotherapy treatments
¬¬ help you feel more in control and dispel any myths
¬¬ provide information on billing
The registered nurse will discuss the following topics during pre-admission clinic:
¬¬ how chemotherapy was developed and how it works
¬¬ how chemotherapy is given and how often
¬¬ the potential side effects of chemotherapy treatments and how to manage, minimise
or prevent them
¬¬ services available at Icon Cancer Care
¬¬ your questions and concerns
Pre-admission clinic is held weekly. You should allocate approximately two and a half
hours to attend the pre-admission clinic. Unfortunately, due to space constraints, we are
sometimes only able to accommodate one support person with each patient. If you would
like to bring more than one support person please discuss this with the nursing team
before arriving for pre-admission clinic.
For more information or to register for pre-admission clinic please phone 07 3737 4500.
My booking for the pre-admission clinic:
Date:__________________________
Time:__________________________
What to expect at your appointments
A family member, carer or friend is welcome to accompany you when you visit the centre.
Please arrive at the centre about 15 minutes before your appointment time. Go directly to
the reception counter, where your doctor’s medical secretary will confirm your personal
details and make any health insurance and billing arrangements. You will then be asked to
take a seat in the waiting room.
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What to bring
Starting treatment
Please feel free to bring a book, magazine and/or an iPad to pass the time during your
treatment. You may also find it useful to bring extra clothing for warmth, such as a jacket,
cardigan or scarf, until you get a feel for how the treatment will affect you.
Nursing care
We suggest that you don’t bring large amounts of money or other valuables during your
visit to the clinic. We are unable to offer secure storage for patients leaving their personal
belongings unattended. Icon Cancer Care does not take responsibility, nor is liable, for the
loss or damage of money, personal property or valuables brought to your appointment.
So that our pharmacy staff can properly assist you with your treatment please bring along
to your first treatment a list of:
¬¬ your current medications including any creams, inhalers, patches
or drops
¬¬ any medicines bought over the counter or at a supermarket
¬¬ any supplements or natural medicines you take
One of our experienced registered nurses will be responsible for your care during your
treatment in our day hospital. They will talk to you about your treatment and are available
to discuss any concerns or answer questions you may have.
We have a wide range of patient information sheets, to help support discussions you’ve
had with your doctor or nurse in the centre. Some of these patient information sheets can
also be found at iconcancercare.com.au
Pharmacists onsite
Icon’s pharmacy staff are committed to supporting your care. Our pharmacists will work
with you and alongside your doctor and nursing team to make sure the treatment you
receive is optimal and safe. Our pharmacists are available on-site to answer questions,
provide advice and information about your medications.
Day hospital administration staff
Our day hospital receptionists are available to assist you with making further
appointments.
Our clinic attendants serve light refreshments throughout the day. If you have food
intolerances, allergies or special dietary requirements you are welcome to bring food with
you.
What to expect during treatment
When it’s time to start your treatment, an intravenous (IV) drip will be inserted into a
vein in your arm or your Central Venous Access Device (CVAD) accessed by one of our
experienced nurses. A blood test may be taken at this time. You may need to wait for blood
results prior to your treatment to ensure your blood counts are at a satisfactory level.
Depending on your treatment, you may be given anti-nausea medication either via your
drip or orally before receiving treatment.
You may also receive drugs that make you drowsy during your treatment. In this instance
you cannot drive following treatment and must have a relative, friend or carer take you
home.
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Understanding fees
Doctor’s fees
Private health insurance
In most instances, the doctor’s fee will be charged directly to your health fund. Your
health fund will forward the payment directly to the centre and this will be credited to
your account.
Icon Cancer Care Wesley has contracts with most major health insurance funds. The
centre will claim directly from your health fund for your treatment. Your health fund will
then send the payment directly to the centre to be credited to your account.
If you have an insurance excess, co-payment, basic cover or no private health insurance
our patient admission officer will provide you with an estimate of treatment costs and ask
you to sign a financial consent form. Payment will be required on the day of treatment.
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While some doctors do not charge a gap fee, others may charge more than the Medicare
Benefits Schedule (MBS), meaning you will be required to pay a gap fee depending on your
level of cover. Our patient admissions officer will let you know in advance if you have any
out-of-pocket costs. If your doctor doesn’t have arrangements with your health fund, you
will need to settle the account on the day of service.
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Treatment fees
There are no gap fees for privately insured patients undergoing chemotherapy or
haematological treatments at Icon Cancer Care. At the time of your treatment, we will let
you know of any excess that may apply to your health insurance cover.
Medication fees
While chemotherapy medicines are expensive, the cost of most people’s treatment
is subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and your private health
insurance. However, most medicines that you take home with you after treatment may
incur a patient contribution in line with the current PBS co-payments.
To ensure our pharmacy staff bill you correctly for your medication, please bring along, if
applicable, your:
¬¬ Medicare card
¬¬ concession, pension or DVA card
¬¬ safety net entitlement card
¬¬ prescription record form
Prescription record forms can be obtained from our pharmacy or your local pharmacy and
will help you keep track of your prescription tally for the Pharmaceutical Safety Net. You’ll
need to have this form with you whenever you have a PBS medication dispensed.
There are some medicines that are not subsidised by the PBS. If these medicines apply to
you, your doctor, pharmacist or the Wesley clinic manager will discuss with you any out of
pocket costs.
Medications not directly related to your treatment can also be purchased through our
pharmacy. These medications will be invoiced directly to you by the pharmacy and cannot
be claimed for reimbursement by Medicare or your health fund.
Consumables fees
Dressings and bandages provided upon discharge will be invoiced separately by the day
hospital. These items cannot be claimed for reimbursement either by Medicare or your
health fund.
Fees from other providers
As part of your treatment you may receive services from other service providers. This may
include:
¬¬ pathology services (e.g. blood tests and bone marrow biopsy)
¬¬ radiology services (e.g. x-rays and scans)
For further information on fees please contact the service provider directly. If you are
unsure which service providers are involved in your care please contact your doctor’s
secretary to discuss.
Paying your account
You can pay by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or any of the major credit cards. Account enquiries
can be made Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm on 07 3737 4500.
For more information,
please contact your patient
admissions officer.
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Privacy and personal information
What does Icon Cancer Care use my personal information for?
At Icon Cancer Care we respect and uphold your rights to privacy protection. Your
personal information assists us in providing you with safe and effective treatment. Icon
Cancer Care is subject to Australian privacy and confidentiality legislation which sets
the standards for how we handle your personal information. The following information
describes how Icon Cancer Care manages any personal information we have about you.
We use your personal information to:
What kinds of personal information does Icon Cancer Care collect?
We may hold the following information about you:
¬¬ name, address, telephone numbers and email address
¬¬ assist your treating doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals (e.g.
pharmacists) in providing medical treatment and care to you
¬¬ maintain medical records as required under our policies and by law
¬¬ undertake quality assurance activities that allow us to monitor and improve how we
operate
¬¬ train and educate health professional employees
¬¬ undertake health research solely or in conjunction with other research organisations
with whom we collaborate
¬¬ next-of-kin
¬¬ marital status
When does Icon Cancer Care disclose my personal information?
¬¬ date of birth
In order to ensure we provide you with safe and effective services there may be
times when Icon Cancer Care needs to confidentially disclose some of your personal
information, for example:
¬¬ occupation
¬¬ health/medical information
¬¬ general practitioner and referring doctor information
¬¬ health fund information
¬¬ Medicare/Department of Veteran Affairs/Pension/Healthcare card numbers
¬¬ to another hospital or treating doctor involved in your treatment
¬¬ to allow processing of private health fund claims
¬¬ in an emergency where your life is at risk and you cannot provide consent
¬¬ transaction details associated with services that have been provided to you
¬¬ to provide data in a de-identified form to government agencies in compliance with
legislative requirements
¬¬ information provided by other healthcare providers (e.g. pathology and x-ray
reports)
¬¬ sometimes we are legally required to disclose your personal information.
¬¬ any additional information provided to you by Icon (e.g. surveys)
Each time you attend Icon Cancer Care, information about you is updated. We aim to
keep your information accurate and up-to-date to ensure that the best possible care and
service can be provided.
Agreeing to provide personal information
How does Icon Cancer Care store my information?
At Icon Cancer Care your personal information is:
¬¬ contained in electronic records in a secure environment
¬¬ contained in paper-based and/or other hard-copy documents in secure dedicated
storage facilities
On your first visit to Icon Cancer Care the collection, use and disclosure of your personal
information will be discussed with you and any questions you have will be answered.
You will need to sign a consent form to indicate that you understand how your personal
information will be collected, used and disclosed.
What happens if I do not agree to provide personal information?
If you do not provide written consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal
information our ability to provide optimal health care services and/or to submit a claim to
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a health fund, Medicare or other payors may be limited.
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How can I access my Icon Cancer Care health record?
You have the right to apply for access to your Icon Cancer Care health record.
To apply for access please contact:
Icon Privacy Officer
07 3737 4500
PO Box 3787
South Brisbane QLD 4101
[email protected]
A small fee may be charged to recover costs associated with supply of information.
Can I request an amendment to my Icon Cancer Care health
record?
If there is information in your Icon Cancer Care health record that is incorrect, not up to
date, not relevant or misleading, you can apply to have it amended under the Privacy Act
1988. For more information please contact:
Icon Privacy Officer
07 3737 4500
PO Box 3787
South Brisbane QLD 4101
[email protected]
How do I make a complaint about how Icon Cancer Care manages
my personal information?
If you have concerns or believe Icon Cancer Care has not managed your personal
information appropriately please contact:
Icon Privacy Officer
07 3737 4500
PO Box 3787
South Brisbane QLD 4101
[email protected]
If you are not satisfied with how Icon Cancer Care has responded to your privacy
complaint you may contact the Officer of the Privacy Commissioner who may investigate
your complaint: oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-complaints
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Getting general support
Cancer Australia
The Australian Government established Cancer Australia (canceraustralia.gov.au) to
benefit all Australians affected by cancer. Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of
cancer and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer. A wide range of information
for people affected by cancer is available on the Cancer Australia website. Topics include:
¬¬ what is cancer
¬¬ types of cancer
¬¬ cancer statistics
¬¬ Australian clinical trials
¬¬ living with cancer
¬¬ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
¬¬ cancer support organisations
Cancer Council Australia
Provides advice on the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer. Cancer Council
Australia does a number of things including:
¬¬ providing information to those affected by cancer and the general community
¬¬ coordinating a network of cancer support group services and programs
¬¬ implementing early detection and cancer prevention programs
¬¬ funding cancer research
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Most Cancer Council patient services are provided at a local level. Each state or territory
cancer council offers a range of patient support services. These often include:
¬¬ counselling services
¬¬ support groups and networks
¬¬ education groups, programs and information
¬¬ practical assistance
¬¬ accommodation
For more information about the support services available in your local area visit the
relevant Cancer Council website listed below:
Cancer Council QLD
cancerqld.org.au
Cancer Council South Australia
cancersa.org.au
Cancer Council Victoria
cancervic.org.au
Another way to access support from the Cancer Council is via the Cancer Council Helpline.
A confidential telephone counselling service staffed by trained professionals who have
knowledge about cancer and cancer care. When you call you will automatically be directed
to the Cancer Council helpline operating in your state or territory. The counsellor will
help you with information, support and referrals to services in your local community.
The Cancer Council Helpline operates from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. In some
states a multilingual service is available. Helpline 13 11 20 (a local call from anywhere in
Australia).
Cancer Council also provides online support through Cancer Connections
(cancerconnections.com.au), where you can ask questions and participate in groups,
forums and blogs.
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Cancer Voices
CanTeen
Cancer Voices (cancervoices.org.au) provides the independent voice of people effected by
cancer in NSW and beyond. It operates as a peak advocacy organisation.
CanTeen (canteen.org.au) supports, develops and empowers young people (aged 12- 24)
living with cancer. Canteen provides:
¬¬ counselling and individual support
Camp Quality
Camp Quality (campquality.org.au) provides services to children (aged 0-13) living with
cancer and their families. In addition Camp Quality provides programs that support
children under 13 who have a parent living with cancer.
The Camp Quality Kids Guide to Cancer app is an educational support program for children
8-13 years, that is available free of charge from the app store. It is an age appropriate
resource for children who have a parent, sibling or loved one with cancer. The app provides
information about types of cancer, hospitals and medicines and how kids might be able to
help their loved one. In addition there are a few personal stories from kids.
¬¬ peer support
¬¬ information and resources
¬¬ youth cancer services
Carers Australia
Carers Australia (carersaustralia.com.au) provides specialist services across Australia for
carers. These services include:
¬¬ carer advisory service – provides information and advice to carers and their families
about carer support services
¬¬ national carer counselling program- provides short term counselling by qualified
counsellors
¬¬ young carers program – provides information and advice and support for young
carers
Carers Australia provides
specialist services across
Australia for carers.
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Palliative Care Australia
Palliative Care Australia (palliativecare.org.au) is the national peak palliative care
body. Palliative care provides high quality healthcare to people living with a life
limiting illness, to allow them to live as well as they can by managing pain and
symptoms to ensure their quality of life is maintained.
Palliative Care Australia maintains a national directory of specialist palliative care
services, available on their website.
Redkite
Redkite (redkite.org.au) provides children and young people (0-24 years) and those
close to them with essential support, including: ¬¬ financial assistance to cover essential expenses, such as food, bills
and fuel
¬¬ information, counselling and group support
¬¬ support to keep education and career goals on track ¬¬ support through grief and loss
My Virtual Medical Centre – Australia
My Virtual Medical Centre (myvmc.com) is a leading Australian medical information
website that delivers the latest medical information. My Virtual Medical Centre
contains a dedicated cancer medical centre. The cancer medical centre features:
¬¬ what is cancer
¬¬ cancer signs and symptoms
¬¬ nutrition and cancer
¬¬ an A-Z directory of cancer related information
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Getting specific support
Breast Cancer Network Australia
Other support services aim to address the specific needs of people affected by different
types of cancer.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) (bcna.org.au) works to ensure that Australians
affected by breast cancer receive the very best support, information, treatment and
care appropriate to their individual needs. BCNA is the peak national organisation for
Australians affected by breast cancer, and consists of a network of more than 100,000
members and 300 Member Groups. More than 90 per cent of our members have had a
diagnosis of breast cancer, and the remaining members have had a personal experience
with breast cancer through a family member or friend.
Bowel Cancer Australia
Bowel Cancer Australia provides a wide range of support services to people affected by
bowel cancer.
¬¬ the Bowel Cancer Australia helpline (1800 55 494) operates Monday to Friday, 9am
to 5pm. When you contact the helpline you can speak with one of the following:
¬¬ nurse advisor (about diagnosis, symptoms or living with bowel cancer)
¬¬ nutrition advisor
¬¬ stomal therapy nurse advisor
¬¬ rectal cancer nurse advisor
Gastro-Intestinal Cancer Institute
Gastro-intestinal cancers include those of the oesophagus, stomach, liver, gall bladder,
pancreas, small intestine, bowel and anus. The Gastro-Intestinal Cancer Institute
(gicancer.org.au) shares information through the ’Engage’ network of volunteers, cancer
patients, cancer survivors and their family and friends.
Personal stories of patients and their families are shared on the Gastro- Intestinal Cancer
Institute website.
¬¬ Bowel Cancer Australia offers a peer to peer support network
¬¬ online discussion forum
¬¬ download or order patient information
¬¬ healthy recipes (high fibre, low fibre and vegetarian)
¬¬ stories from bowel cancer patients and survivors
The bowel cancer app is free and available for Apple and Android smart
phones and can be downloaded via the App Store, Google Play or Samsung App Store.
Features of the app include:
¬¬ interactive treatment and screening pathways
¬¬ diet and lifestyle strategies to reduce the risk of bowel cancer
¬¬ videos such as how to perform a bowel cancer screening test
¬¬ quick links to Bowel Cancer Australia’s nurse and nutrition advisory services
¬¬ Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) for medicines used in bowel cancer
treatment
¬¬ bowel friendly recipes and meal plans
¬¬ the latest statistics on bowel cancer in Australia
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Leukaemia Foundation
Kidney Cancer
The Leukaemia Foundation (leukaemia.org.au) provides personalised and practical
support to people affected by blood cancers such as:
Kidney Health Australia (kidneycancer.org.au) represents and includes a group of ‘kidney
minded’ individuals which include patients, carers, health professionals, supporters,
volunteers, students and others who are affected by kidney disease, including kidney
cancer.
¬¬ leukaemias
¬¬ lymphomas
¬¬ myeloma
¬¬ myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
¬¬ myelproliferative neoplasms (PRV, ET, MF)
¬¬ waldenströms
Kidney Health Australia offers the following resources to patients affected by
kidney cancer:
¬¬ Kidney Cancer Connect – a forum that offers an opportunity to share your stories
and ask questions, share practical information and most of all, support each other
¬¬ Kidney Cancer Support Services – 1800 454 363 or email
[email protected] if you have any questions on kidney cancer
¬¬ amyloidosis
¬¬ aplastic anaemia
Services provided by the Leukaemia Foundation include:
¬¬ information
¬¬ emotional support
McGrath Foundation
The McGrath Foundation (mcgrathfoundation.com.au) raises money to place Breast Care
Nurses in communities across Australia, as well as increasing breast awareness in young
Australian women.
¬¬ educational support programs
Breast Care Nurses are specially trained Registered Nurses who act as patient advocates
coordinating care for women experiencing breast cancer, their families and their carers.
¬¬ accommodation
The McGrath Foundation website has a national Breast Cancer Nurse directory.
¬¬ transport program
¬¬ practical assistance
¬¬ factsheets on superannuation and insurance - legal rights
Lung Foundation Australia
Lung Foundation Australia (lungfoundation.com.au) supports all aspects of lung health
including cancer. Lung Foundation Australia offers several initiatives and programs to
support patients and carers. These include:
¬¬ information and support centre – phone 1800 654 301 or email
[email protected]
Myeloma Foundation Australia
The Myeloma Foundation (myeloma.org.au) provides up to date information and
access to trained oncology nurses. Services include:
¬¬ toll free support line – an experienced myeloma nurse is available to answer your
questions about myeloma. Phone 1800 MYELOMA (693 566) Monday – Friday 9am
to 5pm AEST
¬¬ patient information booklets and information sheets
¬¬ patient support groups
¬¬ patient support group networks
¬¬ Lung Cancer Network (kjlcn.org.au)
¬¬ lung cancer telephone support groups
¬¬ Lungs in Action (a community based exercise maintenance program for people with
stable chronic lung conditions)
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Ovarian Cancer Australia
Ovarian Cancer Australia (ovariancancer.net.au) provides support and advocacy for
people affected by ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer Australia runs several different types of
support group services:
¬¬ monthly groups that meet in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth
¬¬ monthly phone support for women anywhere in Australia
¬¬ information for carers, family and friends about supporting your loved one with cancer
¬¬ an online forum open to women with ovarian cancer and to carers, family and friends
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) (prostate.org.au) is a national
organisation acting to reduce the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their
families and the community.
Rare Cancers
Rare Cancers Australia (rarecancers.org.au) seeks to improve awareness, support and
treatment of Australians with rare and less common cancers. Rare Cancers Australia
provides written information on rare cancers. In addition personal stories from those
affected by rare cancers are shared on the website.
The Unicorn Foundation
The Unicorn Foundation (unicornfoundation.org.au) aims to educate and support
Australians affected by neuroendocrine cancer (NET). Their services include:
¬¬ NET Nurse helpline and support service - for general advice about your NET diagnosis
the NET Nurse can be contacted on 1300 CURE NETS (1300 287 363) or email
[email protected]
¬¬ patient support groups - the Unicorn has established patient support groups in Sydney,
Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Townsville
¬¬ patient stories are shared on the Unicorn Foundation website
Useful Websites
Health fund
Private Healthcare Australia
Australian Health Services Alliance
AHM by Medibank
Australian Unity
BUPA
CBHS Health Fund
CUA Health
Defence Health
Healthcare Insurance
Health Partners
Peoplecare
Medibank
Navy Health
Phoenix Health Fund
SCIG Health
Teachers Health Fund
TUH
Transport Health
privatehealthcareaustralia.org.au
ahsa.com.au
ahm.com.au
australianunity.com.au
bupa.com.au
cbhs.com.au
cuahealth.com.au
defencehealth.com.au
hciltd.com.au
healthpartners.com.au
peoplecare.com.au
medibank.com.au
navyhealth.com.au
phoenixhealthfund.com.au
nmra.com.au/sa
teachershealth.com.au
tuh.com.au
transporthealth.com.au
Government
Centrelink
Department of Health and aging
Department of Veterans’ affairs
Private Health Insurance Ombudsman
Private Health – Australian Government
centrelink.gov.au
health.gov.au
DVA.gov.au
phio.org.au
privatehealth.gov.au
Other
Australian Council of Healthcare Standards (ACHS)
Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association
Australian Private Hospital Association
32
achs.org.au
ahha.asn.au
apha.org.au
33
Notes
34
35