We care for our patients in all facets of their cancer experience
Patient Care
We pride ourselves in patient-centred care and wellness programs that focus on the needs of the whole person - body, mind and spirit, not just the disease.
COMPREHENSIVE CARE TEAM
As we strive to look after your complete wellbeing, we may suggest you and/or those close to you, may want to meet with other members of our team:
DR JACOB KWAK & DR SAMUEL STEELE
Providing cancer patients with pain advice, symptom management and supportive care.
Dr Kwak consults at the NHOG rooms on Wednesday mornings.
Dr Steele consults at the NHOG rooms on Thursday afternoons.
To book an appointment, please phone our rooms on 02 9056 1100.
DR HILDA HIGH
Inherited cancer risk assessment and management.
Dr High consults at the NHOG rooms on Wednesdays.
Telehealth consultations are provided to remote and rural areas.
To book an appointment, please phone Sydney Cancer Genetics on 02 9304 0438.
DR KATHARINE HODGKINSON & KERRY WAGLAND
Providing strategies to help deal with common concerns and enhance wellbeing during and after treatment; for patients, carers and their loved ones.
Dr Hodgkinson consults at the NHOG rooms on alternate Mondays.
Kerry Wagland consults at the NHOG rooms every Thursday.
To book an appointment, please phone the Headway Health receptionist on 02 9453 3027.
CLINICAL TRIALS UNIT
The Clinical Trials Unit is a not-for-profit organisation that is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sydney Adventist Hospital.
San CTU consists of medical oncologists, clinical trial coordinators, clinical trial pharmacists and experienced oncology nurses. San CTU is located on Level 2 of the Tulloch building at Sydney Adventist Hospital, accessed from the Level 2 entrance of the main hospital P1 car park. San CTU's first participation in clinical trials commenced in 2005 at the Hornsby premises. San CTU is now a well-established and respected clinical trials unit and have participated in over 100 trials.
The purpose of the unit is to provide all oncology and haematology patients treated at Sydney Adventist Hospital the best possible treatment outcomes through offering them the opportunity and ability to participate in the most current treatment options available in the field of medical oncology, radiation oncology and clinical haematology. Trial management is performed by a collaborative group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, pathologists and radiology staff and is coordinated by experienced clinical trial coordinators. Treatments are either delivered in the San Day Infusion Centre, radiation oncology or as an outpatient.
We offer clinical trial participation in multi centre, national and international clinical trials run by pharmaceutical companies and national collaborative groups such as: Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG), the ANZ Gynaecology/Oncology Group (ANZGOG), the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP), the Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group (ALLG) along with the ANZ Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZBCTG).
CONTACT INFORMATION
Nina Singh, Manager San CTU
Phone: 02 9480 6280 or Email: nina.singh@sah.org.au
CURRENT CLINICAL TRIALS
We have a number of trials open for recruitment in the areas of Haematology and Oncology.
More information regarding each trial can be found by clicking here.
POON DAY INFUSION CENTRE
The purpose-built Poon Day Infusion Centre forms part of the new San Integrated Cancer Centre which consists of pathology, radiology, cancer support, radiation oncology and specialist consulting rooms. A tranquil healing garden is located at the heart of the cancer centre and the Day Infusion Centre overlooks this space.
The Poon Day Infusion Centre provides infusions for many different specialties and diseases. Chemotherapy treatment administered to patients at the Day Infusion Centre is given as an inpatient day-only procedure. The Day Infusion Centre provides a bright day treatment area where various treatments, given over a few hours, can be administered.
The Day Infusion Centre opened in November 2014 and incorporates 30 treatment chairs and 4 private rooms, maximising patient care by providing specialist oncology nurses and San volunteers in a friendly environment. Treatments provided at the Day Infusion Centre include chemotherapy regimens administered by specialist oncology nurses, blood transfusions and other specialist drug infusions for various medical conditions. An orientation program is offered weekly for new patients undergoing chemotherapy and bookings can be made by contacting one of the receptionists at NHOG. Some patients may receive their treatment at our Poon Oncology Ward on level 6 of the San Hospital, where overnight or longer stay patients are also admitted. Free Wifi is available in the centre.
LOCATION & OPENING HOURS
The Day Infusion Centre is located on Level 3 San Integrated Cancer Centre, Clark Tower Sydney Adventist Hospital.
Hours of operation are 7.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 7.30am to 3.30pm Saturday.
For more information on services provided, bookings and fees please contact Reception at the Day Infusion Centre on 02 9480 4360 Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.
Undercover parking including spaces reserved for Cancer Centre clients are available on Level 2 of the main hospital P1 (orange) carpark. Enter the Integrated Cancer Centre from Level 2 of the P1 carpark. Parking is also available on other levels. A small fee is charged for parking at Sydney Adventist Hospital.
INPATIENT CARE
The Poon Ward for oncology and haematology patients is located on Level 6 of the Sydney Adventist Hospital. The Poon Ward offers mostly private ensuite rooms for patient comfort. The ward includes a relaxing indoor atrium providing a special sanctuary reserved for patients on Level 6, their families and visitors.
As a special treat, Pet Therapy is offered to interested patients with Max, the beautiful labrador retriever visiting regularly.
The experienced staff provide specialist oncology nursing and palliative care for patients requiring day stay or inpatient admission. The dedicated team also provide supportive end-stage care when required.
The Poon Ward team includes nurses, doctors, case managers and allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, breast cancer patient navigators and social workers.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Poon Ward, Level 6, Sydney Adventist Hospital
Phone: 02 9487 9653
The staff liaise with other San Hospital departments ensuring that the patient has the support required whilst in the Poon Ward and after discharge. These departments include:
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Chaplains
- Cancer Support / Jacaranda Lodge
- Lymphoedema Specialists
- Radiotherapy
- Pharmacy
MULTIDISCIPLINARY CANCER CARE TEAMS
NHOG strives to remain at the forefront of innovative care solutions for patients in conjunction with Sydney Adventist Hospital's implementation of Multidisciplinary Cancer Teams (MDT’s) to best address the needs associated with caring for and treating cancer patients. We believe that the initiation of MDT’s fosters increased communication between healthcare professionals, improves the quality of care and provides the patient with confidence that they are obtaining the expertise of other health professionals to manage their condition.
The team meets to agree on the diagnosis and staging of the disease using evidence-based guidelines and to plan the best treatment option for the patient, taking the patient’s preferences into account. A treatment plan is subsequently developed to optimally manage care.
The Multidisciplinary Teams at the San involve health professionals from numerous areas, and may include medical oncologists, genetic oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, social workers, physiotherapists, palliative care specialists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, case managers, and cancer support professionals.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information about our multidisciplinary cancer team meetings please contact
Melissa Legg or Mae Arispe on 02 9480 9464, alternatively you can email MDT@sah.org.au
Multidisciplinary Cancer Teams are currently in place at the San for:
- Breast cancer
- Gastro-intestinal cancer
- Haematology
- Lung cancer
- Melanoma/sarcoma
- Neuro-oncology
- Urological cancer
24 HOUR EMERGENCY CARE
The San Emergency Care Unit is one of the largest and busiest private emergency facilities in NSW, with a team of dedicated emergency care specialists and experienced registered nurses treating over 20,000 patients annually.
Emergency Care is open 24 hours / 7 days a week with modern facilities and the backing of a large fully equipped hospital. There is a comprehensive on-call specialist roster for San Emergency Care, covering all of the major general medical specialties and sub-specialist groups.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Emergency Care, Level 3, Sydney Adventist Hospital
Phone: 02 9487 9000
WELLNESS
DEFINITION OF WELLNESS
"...a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being,
and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
The World Health Organisation
Wellness is much more than merely physical health, exercise or nutrition. It is the full integration of states of physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The model we use includes social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and physical wellness. Each of these dimensions act and interact in a way that contributes to our own quality of life.
It is important to note that unproven alternatives to mainstream medical treatment (commonly referred to as 'alternative therapies') will not be provided in our centre. However, patients will be offered the opportunity to discuss these possibilities with our medical team in a supportive environment.
DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS
Wellness is more than being free from illness. Wellness is a dynamic process of change and growth.
There are many interrelated dimensions of wellness:
- Emotional
- Intellectual
- Physical
- Social
- Spiritual
Each dimension is equally vital in the pursuit of optimum health.
Click on the dimensions menu above to read more about how each one can be beneficial.
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
Helping you understand your feelings and cope effectively with stress.
Emotional Wellness involves feeling positive and enthusiastic about ourselves and life, in general.
Development in this dimension includes:
- recognition of feelings and the ability to manage feelings
- being able to develop autonomy
- maintain satisfying relationships
- the ability to cope with stress
- being aware of and accepting a wide range of feelings about yourself and others
- the ability to understand your own feelings
- accept your limitations
- achieve emotional stability
- become comfortable with your emotional state
Although many people have never considered counselling in the past, cancer stretches most people’s coping resources. Many patients and/or their loved ones will benefit from professional support to help adjust to the impact of the disease on daily life and enhance their quality of life.
The NHOG clinical psychologists Dr Katharine Hodgkinson and Lara Keogh are available for consultations for patients, their family and/or carers. Please contact their reception staff on 02 9453 3027 to arrange an appointment, or read more at HeadwayHealth.
Art Therapy and Life Writing at the San – the Cancer Support Centre regularly hold Art Therapy and Life Writing sessions. Working with art or documenting your own life story within a therapeutic framework can enhance one’s ability to cope with symptoms and stress as well as enjoying the life-affirming pleasure of creating something special. For more information on costs and session times, contact the Support staff on 02 9487 9061 or email support@sah.org.au
INTELLECTUAL WELLNESS
Intellectual Wellness is having a strong desire and curiosity for learning. It is important to be stimulated by new ideas and experiences.
Helpful tips:
- Sharing ideas and valuing new ways of looking at things
- It is about responding to challenges and opportunities to grow
- Consider making plans, developing strategies and solving problems
- Keep an activated stimulated mind
- Continue to learn through formal education and informal life experiences
- Be open to new ideas
- Thinking critically and questioning will result in a sense of curiosity and creativity
- Be motivated to accomplish new skills and try new challenges
- Keep your mind focused on achieving and being productive
Incorporating these tips into your lifestyle will enhance your overall wellbeing.
PHYSICAL WELLNESS
To remain well, Physical Wellness requires that you take steps to protect your physical health by eating a well-balanced diet, doing some exercise, and getting enough sleep. Importantly, complying with your prescribed medical routine and medication.
Dietitian Stephanie Rowe is available for consultations at NHOG. Stephanie can assist patients with cancer dietary and nutritional advice during and after treatment. To book an appointment, contact our reception staff on 02 9480 4280.
Yoga at the San – the San Cancer Support Centre regularly hold Yoga sessions conducted by a qualified and experienced yoga teacher. Gentle yoga for patients living with cancer and their carers. For enquiries and more information, contact the Cancer Support Centre 02 9487 9061 or email support@sah.org.au
Exercise by San Physiotherapy team – specific cancer-related exercise programs are conducted at the Sydney Adventist Hospital. For more information including class dates, times and costs phone 02 9487 9350 or visit their website.
Look Good… Feel Better – Helping Women Face Cancer With Confidence. These programs are conducted at the San Cancer Support Centre – phone 02 9487 9061 or email support@sah.org.au
SOCIAL WELLNESS
Social Wellness symbolises the importance to create a support network and maintain interests, hobbies and connecting with friends and family whilst undergoing treatment.
The Cancer Support Centre located within the Sydney Adventist Hospital offer support groups for patients and/or carers on a regular basis.
For more information, visit the website or phone the Cancer Support Centre on 02 9487 9061.
Art Therapy, Life Writing, Yoga and Meditation are just some of the sessions also offered at the San Cancer Support Centre.
The NSW Cancer Council also has various support groups available and can be contacted on 13 11 20 or by visiting their website.
SPIRITUAL WELLNESS
Develop a set of values that help you seek meaning and purpose.
Spiritual Wellness involves seeking meaning and purpose in human existence. Development in this dimension includes developing a deep appreciation and acceptance for things that cannot be completely understood.
Helpful Tips:
- Take “quiet time” to meditate, rest and relax or simply stop and take some deep breaths from time to time
- Make a list of what you value most in life and keep it somewhere to reflect upon
- Meditate, pray, practice visualization, and/or maintain a yoga routine
The Meditation and Support Group meet weekly at the San Cancer Support Centre. The group is open to patients, their partners or carers. Regular practice of Meditation may calm the mind, assist sleep, reduce stress and assist the development of healthy thought processes. To learn more, phone 02 9487 9061 or visit the San Cancer Support Centre website.
