Services
At Ballarat Cancer Care, we are focussed on building a dedicated and exciting group of Oncologists and Haematologists committed to looking after patients with cancer and blood disorders.
Oncology
Medical Oncologists look after patients with cancers affecting any part of the body. Heather and Craig are experienced in using chemotherapy, novel targeted medicines, and immunotherapy to treat cancer. These medications are used before or after an operation to cure a cancer, or to control a cancer if it can't be cured. Some treatments are given intravenously, whereas others are oral tablets. There are circumstances when intravenous treatments are best given via a cental venous catheter (such as a port or PICC line).
All of the doctors at Ballarat Cancer Cancer and Haematology have trained in tertiary referral centres in Melbourne, and have strong connections to colleagues at these centres, as well as connections with the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre.
We attend and present patients at Multidisciplinary meetings which focus on all types of cancer. We aim to remain as up-to-date as possible to provide the best treatments to patients. We involve patients in this decision making process so that their treatment preferences are heard.
Haematology
We provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for patients with blood cancer and general blood disorders.
Our scope of practice includes, but is not limited to: leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other malignant bone marrow disorders, as well as bleeding/clotting issues, iron disorder and abnormal blood counts.
Our hematologists regularly present complex cases at multi-disciplinary meetings, and work closely with haematology departments at tertiary centers in Melbourne to ensure patients will have access to the best treatment options.
Supportive Care
A diagnosis of cancer or any major health condition can be challenging at times, and the psychological impacts on patients and families can be significant. Addressing the psychological, social and emotional impacts of a diagnosis is important in managing the effects of an illness on patients and families.
We are privileged in Ballarat and Ararat to have access to a wide range of supports, both in the community, and through inpatient facilities. In addition to that provided by the team at Ballarat Cancer Care and Haematology, individuals may find support from their own general practitioner, private counselling sessions, specialist oncology nurses, allied health professionals, support groups, and complementary wellness therapies. Your specialist may discuss some of these supportive care options with you.
Sometimes patients of Ballarat Cancer Care and Haematology will require inpatient care. Patients admitted at St John of God Hospital will be seen for the most part by their primary specialist. On occasional weekdays and weekends, inpatients are seen by other members of the Ballarat Cancer Care and Haematology team. Patients admitted at East Grampians Health Care will be looked after by their general practitioner but visited by the doctors of Ballarat Cancer Care and Haematology as appropriate, and transferred to a Ballarat hospital if required.
There is increasing evidence that regular exercise in those receiving treatment can improve outcomes. It is likely that exercise can help to minimize treatment side effects, maintain day to day functioning, and improve overall wellbeing. We have worked with exercise physiologists at St John of God Hospital to make supervised exercise physiology sessions available to our patients receiving treatment in the hospital. There is also an outpatient based oncology rehabilitation programme, the “renew” programme, which incorporates exercise physiology, as well as dietetics and psychology. Feel free to raise these programmes with your specialist if they are of interest to you.
Some patients may benefit from a referral to local palliative care services. If so, your doctor will discuss this with you. Feel free to raise this if you feel it may be relevant for you. Palliative care services can provide support at home (via regional community palliative care services), or inpatient palliative care services at the Gandarra unit