A leader in the provision of cancer services, particularly in breast and gynaecological oncology, Epworth Freemasons works with several key surgeons and oncologists who have strong national and international reputations in female-related cancers.
We make supportive care and education a top priority to all recently diagnosed patients, or those simply requiring additional information throughout their illness.
Contact
Unit Manager - Ward 2 East and Day Oncology Unit
Colleen Ohara
Phone 03 9483 3702
Unit Manager - Ward 1 West (Gynaecological Oncology)
Gillian Duncan
Phone 03 9483 3604
Education
Our highly skilled, professional nurses ensure that an individual's education needs are met by determining how much information they already have about their illness and then tailoring the support and education to suit.
Patients are encouraged to attend our pre-admission clinic with their support person, as comprehensive education and advice on treatment related side-effects and their management is given. Nursing staff work closely with doctors to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care, support and education.
Support
Epworth Freemasons also provides support and counselling by experienced oncology personnel for patients and families struggling with the cancer diagnosis and associated grief and despair. There are many Cancer Support Groups available for patients and families interested in sharing their experiences with others.
The ‘Look Good Feel Better' program is offered to newly diagnosed women who may despair over physical changes occurring to their bodies during chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This program aims to give women the confidence to look great during their treatment by applying make-up and receiving helpful beauty tips.
The 'Breast Friends' support group is open to all women under 45 years who have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.The group meets in the relaxed, informal atmosphere of a local pub so women can have a light meal and drink if they wish. There is no formal agenda, with the focus on bringing together a group of women of similar age and life experiences to share their stories and support each other through a very emotional and stressful time in their lives.
Complete Care
Quality of life is a great concern to patients in all stages of their disease. From initial diagnosis through to cure, relapse or possible death, needs change, and so does the level of physical care and emotional support required. Epworth Freemasons staff recognize this and ensure that patients and their families have comprehensive discharge planning and access to allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, dieticians, local council assistance and palliative care.
Day Patient Services
The Epworth Freemasons Day Oncology Unit was established in 1991 and has grown into a comprehensive, modern facility treating approximately four hundred patients per month.
Located on the first floor of the Medical Centre, the Day Oncology Unit provides a bright and relaxed atmosphere for patients to have treatment. Patients are able to watch television/movies, listen to music, read or have their own Discman to listen to their own selection of music.
Fitted with 12 recliner chairs and 3 electric beds, there is also enough room for friends/family to accompany patients. Day Oncology is fortunate to have a team of wonderful volunteers who serve drinks and lunch throughout the day to make our patients stay more comfortable.
Day Oncology is pleased to offer patients car parking in the basement for a competitive flat rate. Car parking tickets must be authorized for this rate to apply. The medical centre also has its own onsite pharmacy and radiology, and a coffee shop located on the ground floor.
The Day Oncology Unit provides patients not only with highly specialized nursing, but with access to other support services including physiotherapy, breast care nurse, dietician, pastoral care, counselor and social worker. With the introduction of the oncology preadmission clinic, nursing staff are able to provide comprehensive education and support to newly diagnosed patients and their families.
The unit also facilitates the “Look Good Feel Better” program, offered to newly diagnosed women coping with the physical changes cancer treatment can cause.
Day Oncology provides transport between hospital sites for patients if they are undergoing concurrent radiotherapy or require additional radiology services or hospital admission.
Phone 03 9418 8242 or 03 9418 8240
Opening hours 8am-6pm, Monday-Friday.
Public Holidays CLOSED
Services available
The unit does not restrict its procedures to administering chemotherapy, although a large percentage of its throughput is chemotherapy administration. Essentially, any treatment or infusion which can be safely given in the day care setting is welcomed by the highly skilled nursing staff. Onsite pharmacy, pathology, radiology and radiotherapy departments place Epworth Freemasons in a unique position to co-ordinate treatment for patients requiring investigations and multiple treatment modalities.
Payment
Due to the high costs for uninsured patients, most of our patients are privately insured, sometimes with policy excess and co-payments; our reception staff are happy to assist with any queries you may have in regards to your policy. Day Oncology now has EFTPOS facilities to assist patients with their health fund expenses as payments are required on day of admission.
Gynaecological Oncology
Epworth Freemasons is equipped with a 33 bed ward (Ward 1 West) which caters for patients with a variety of Gynaecological conditions. Our team of friendly nursing staff welcome new ideas and value education. The unit staff members are supported by a full time clinical educator and regular in service education is provided. Surgical cases include:
- Major laparoscopic work
- Hysterectomies
- Extensive surgery for gynaecological cancers
This unit is supported by experienced operating theatre staff and specialised ward nurses. In addition, a highly experienced Clinical Nurse Specialist in Gynaecological Oncology is available to provide emotional and physical support as well as practical information prior to surgery, as well as during hospitalisation and convalescence.
A Brachytherapy Unit, for radiological treatment of gynaecological cancers, is available at Epworth Freemasons. A full range of surgery is also offered, including:
- Hysteroscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Cone biopsy
- D&C
- Vulval
- Vaginal and ovarian surgery
Prevention Screening programs for pap smears are available to all women. Early detection and treatment may prevent further development and progression of problems. A Colposcopy and Laser Clinic is also available for the management of abnormal smears.