Chemotherapy Day Unit

The Chemotherapy Day Unit cares for patients with blood and other cancers whose care can be manage in a day unit setting.

Its services include:

• anti-cancer therapies
• chemotherapy (external site)
• limited clinical trials
• supportive treatments.

It is located at Rockingham General Hospital and is part of the broader Integrated Cancer Service.

The unit features 4 beds and 6 recliner chairs and is open from 9.00am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). 

Our specialist nurses deliver evidence-based cancer treatments in a safe and professional environment. Our team is committed to: 

• advocating for patients and carers to be included in all aspects of their treatment
• providing personalised care throughout your patient journey
• working in partnership within the Integrated Cancer Services team to cover all aspects (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual) of your wellbeing
• collaborating with allied health services and specialists, including occupational therapy, dietetics, palliative care for symptom management, pharmacy, physiotherapy and social work.

Chemotherapy Nurse Clinic

Our Chemotherapy Nurse Clinic arranges your chemotherapy appointments and consultations with your treating doctor. It is also your first point of contact for all enquiries about your treatment schedule your treatment.

To contact us about an appointment, phone on 9599 4886.

On the day when you see your doctor, clinic staff will explain your treatment in detail and answer any questions to help you understand and cope with your treatment. They will also discuss any side effects that may arise and who to contact if you have further questions or concerns. This will continue throughout your treatment appointments.

You will also be given a broad range of educational material suitable to your individual needs.

Supportive therapies, treatments and investigations

The Chemotherapy Day Unit supports additional therapies that may be required to support your prescribed treatment. These include:

• blood or platelet transfusions to help combat the effects of chemotherapy
• bone marrow aspirates (where a thin needle is used to remove a sample bone marrow fluid) to diagnose and stage blood cancers
• a nurse-led peripheral vascular access service which supports patients with difficult vein access or requiring continuous chemotherapy
• bisphosphonate infusions to prevent fractures, decrease bone breakdown and increase bone strength
• iron infusions via an intravenous (IV) line into the body to treat patients with anaemia (low red blood cells) when oral supplements are ineffective or cannot be used.

About your chemotherapy treatment

Tests before your treatment appointment

Before every chemotherapy treatments your treating team will advise which blood tests are needed. You will be given an appointment card to remind you when to attend a local blood collection pathology service for these tests.

A complete blood count (full blood count) provides information about the cells in your blood. 

If your blood count is not within the treatable limits:

• your chemotherapy may be delayed until it is safe to give you the medication
• your treatment dose may be reduced, which may mean:
  • your chemotherapy may not be available on your planned therapy day
  • you need additional therapy, such as a blood or platelet transfusion, to support side affects you may be experiencing such as anaemia, bruising or bleeding gums.

On the day of treatment

We encourage you to bring a family member, friend or carer with you, especially to your first appointment. This is because you may find it confronting and feel overwhelmed with all the information you will be given.

Having someone with you can make it easier for you to ask questions. It also means your family member, friend or carer can remind you of any information once you are home.

Please note that sometimes there may be delays administering your treatment. For your comfort and safety, please always bring any essential medication prescribed for you, such as diabetes or pain medication, as we do not provide or administer these.

Please also bring a small supply of pain medication, as again we are unable to provide these.

Our staff strive to make your experience as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Patients are served hot and cold beverages throughout the day and a light lunch. You are also welcome to bring your own food to suit your own dietary requirements – please speak with our staff about suitable foods and storage requirements.

Flat screen televisions and hospital WiFi are also available. Information booklets and packs are available within the unit explaining your treatment and its possible side-effects.

Accessing specialist allied health services

Our specialist allied health cancer care teams support patients undergoing cancer treatment by providing comprehensive, holistic advice focussed on:

• diet and nutrition
• exercise
• daily functioning at home
• emotional and financial support.

Read more about how our allied health cancer care services can support you, your family and carers. To access these services:

• ask a member of your treating team to refer you
• your treating team may refer you directly.

In an emergency

Please go to your nearest emergency department (ED). If you are having chemotherapy or immunotherapy, present your purple card to the ED staff.

Contact us

Phone 9599 4453

Location

The Day Chemotherapy Unit is located on Level One, D block of Rockingham General Hospital.

Operating hours

9.00am – 6.30pm, Monday to Friday