IN the battle against cancer, there exists an extraordinary team of unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes at Swan Hill District Health, with their unwavering commitment driving forward advancements in cancer services.
The dedicated staff form the backbone of an exceptional community network.
Their collective expertise and passion transcend boundaries as they strive to provide progressive, personalised and compassionate care for patients. Their commitment makes them an integral part of the fight against cancer.
Swan Hill District Health provides a number of services in the area of cancer care; the care is designed to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for patient and families with a greater focus on overall care including physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing.
It’s not always easy to talk about cancer and that can be incredibly confusing and confronting when yourself, or a loved one is faced with a cancer diagnosis.
Here is an overview of some of the cancer support services provided at Swan Hill District Health that can be accessed by the community:
Chemotherapy
Staffed by registered nurses who have undergone specialist training in the administration of chemotherapy and anti-cancer therapies. They are a group of dedicated and caring professionals committed to providing the best possible care for our patients. Available Monday-Thursday.
McGrath Breast Care Service
Service managed by a McGrath Breast Care Nurse consultant with specialist training in breast cancer. Provides supportive care, education and advocacy for clients and families following a diagnosis of breast cancer. Available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and every second Friday.
Cancer Care Coordinator
Provides supportive care for people diagnosed with cancer and their families. There as a support, advocate and contact for patients and families, when diagnosed with cancer. Available Tuesday-Thursday.
Lymphoedema services
Run by a lymphodema trained physiotherapist where patients are provided with education and management advice for those people with or at risk of lymphedema. This includes patients’ post-surgery and/ or radiotherapy/chemotherapy.
Dietetics services
For anyone with a cancer diagnosis, to provide specialised advice and education to prevent malnutrition and improve quality of life prior to, during and after treatment. Malnutrition can cause poor immune function, increased length of hospital stay and delay in cancer treatment.
Oncology Exercise Group
Offered to patients undergoing cancer treatment or within 12 months of completing. Appropriate exercise has shown to help manage some common cancer treatment side effects of fatigue, loss of muscle mass, speed up recovery and to improve your quality of life.
Wig Service
Swan Hill District Health is the lead agency for the coordination of the vital local wig service. A local hairdresser will work with you to help choose, order and fit your wig, with the cost of headwear and wigs covered by generous community donations.
Social Work
Can assist in counselling and linking you to other support services. They will help you get the help you need, such as financial support and health or legal services.
Allied Health
A number of allied health services that can also assist you throughout your treatment including physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, dietitians, speech pathologists, social work and counselling.
Advance Care Planning
Enables you to share with your family, doctor and those close to you, your preferences, beliefs and values in regards to your future healthcare.
Palliative Care
Is specialised care and support provided in the community for someone living with a life-threatening or life limiting illness. It is designed to improve quality of life for clients, their families and caregivers.
Telehealth
We are able to assist families and their loved ones support to complete telehealth with their specialists closer to home. For those who may have difficulties or not be confident completing telehealth at home.
Wellness Support Group
We hold monthly support group for clients or carers who have or have had a cancer diagnosis to come together and support each other, these are informal session with a shared morning tea.
Nurse Led Survivorship Clinic
A newly developed service providing one to one support with a nurse to develop a supportive care plan, provide supportive care screening, wellness strategies and education once active treatment has completed.
We offer services for prevention via community education and clinical services for National screening programs such as the Cervical Screening Test. We also hold education sessions for people who have finished or nearing completion of their active treatment to help them move into a self-care and wellness model.
Cancer patients can receive support and treatment from our medical and multi-disciplinary team to ensure optimal care within the Swan Hill region.
