Cancer Services
  
 

Haematology/Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)

Introduction to Inpatient unit at CB5C

Welcome to Liverpool Hospital Cancer Services.

Clinical Building 5C (CB5C) is the Haematology / BMT Unit. You will be orientated to the unit to begin preparation for your treatment. This will give you some information about our unit such as the people you may meet and the everyday routine of the unit.

Some of the people you may meet in CB5C

Nurses
You will meet many nurses with specialist roles who will care for you.

The Nursing Unit Manager of CB5C is Aaron Manson.

Other nurses you will meet that specialise in Haematology include Clinical Nurse Consultants, Clinical Nurse Educators, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses and Assistants in Nursing.

Occasionally you may meet agency or casual nursing staff who regularly works on the ward.

Haematologist
The specialist doctor that will direct your treatment.

Doctors
Residents and Registrars who work in close consultation with your haematologist,  and will care for you around the clock

Haematology Care Coordinator
Newly diagnosed patients or those with complex issues will be offered this service. The Care Coordinators' role is to educate, counsel, ensure referral to allied health and will help coordinate the team of people involved in your care. They will be the main contact person for any questions or concerns you may have and will help to navigate the hospital system.

BMT Coordinator
Patients who are being considered for and undergoing a Stem Cell Mobilisation and Transplant will be in contact with the BMT Coordinator. This person can assist with information and will coordinate the process of collection and transplant

Chemotherapy Coordinator
The role of the Chemotherapy Coordinator is to facilitate chemotherapy administration on the wards. The role also involves liaising with Nursing, Medical, Allied Health and Pharmacy regarding inpatient care on the Haematology ward.   

Venepuncture Technician
This team of people will take your blood when requested by the doctors. They generally perform their duties three times a day with the first visit to the ward around 6am, then 12pm and again at 6pm with most patients having blood tests done in the morning.

Ward Clerk
Our ward clerk is located at the reception desk at the front of the ward and helps with the day to day functioning of CB5C, as well as patient and visitor enquires.

Social Worker
This person is available to help you in adjusting to any changes that you may be experiencing. If you need help with accommodation, legal or financial matters the social worker can provide this assistance. Centrelink processes can be very daunting when you are ill and the social worker can help you and your family work these issues together.

Dietitian
Our dietitian can advise you about suitable foods and how to deal with nutritional side effects of treatment whilst you are in hospital. Special diets, such as vegetarian, Halal or those with food allergies can easily be discussed and catered for.

Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists aim to restore or maximise physical function and prevent disability after disease. Physiotherapists will help you with difficulties such as walking, breathing or just getting your strength back.

Haematology/Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists can help you address any physical or emotional changes that may occur during your stay in hospital. They can offer stress management techniques and relaxation training. When you are ready to go home, help can be offered with home modifications, walking aids and techniques to conserve energy and simplify certain tasks.

Clinical Psychologist
A Clinical Psychologist is available to assist with any difficulties adjusting to changes you may experience as well as hospitalisation. They provide counselling and support to patients and their families to help improve wellness and quality of life.

Pharmacist
The Pharmacist helps with medications to ensure that you are taking all the appropriate medications which may be changed during your admission and go through the medications with you at the time of discharge.  

Palliative Care
The Palliative Care team is made up of nurses and doctors who are available to advise on management of any pain and symptoms (i.e. nausea, fatigue etc) that you may experience from your condition or treatment.

Orderlies
Help transport our patients to various destinations around the hospital such as the X-Ray Department.

Meal Planner
This is a service offered to patients so that they may choose
their meals. The menu is dropped off each day around 9am and picked up around 1pm.

Cleaner
Our cleaners are very diligent and will need to clean under your bed and around your area every day, often early in the morning. Please assist them by keeping your rooms, bed areas and table tops clear of clutter.

Haematology/Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)Catering Staff
Our catering staff drop off your meals, pick up the empty trays and provide morning and afternoon tea. Also provided for your comfort is bottled water instead of a jug and water.

Other people you may meet will include Consultant Doctors from other specialties, pharmacists, maintenance personnel etc.

Orientation to CB5C

  • Visiting Hours are from 10am to 8pm. There is a rest period  from 1pm to 3pm. If visiting outside these hours is requested it must be discussed with the Nurse Unit Manager.
  • Visitors are limited to two persons at any time. Requests for further visitors may be discussed with the Nurse Unit Manager.
  • Visitors must wash their hands before entering and leaving the unit. There is Aqium Gel provided at the door.
  • Visitors are not permitted to use the patient toilets. There are visitor toilets provided on the level.
  • It is very important that you ask your friends and family not to visit if they have a cold, the flu or any other infections. If your white cells are low, you and other patients are at great risk of catching an infection. The nursing staff will advise you when your white cells are low (neutropenic). It is recommended that you wear a mask when leaving your room. These should be available in the basket outside your room. If not please ask nursing staff to provide these for you.
  • Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to visit due to the possibility infections such as chicken pox being transmitted to patients with low white blood cell counts. If you have children you would like to visit, please discuss this with our Nurse Unit Manager.
  • Flowers and plants are not permitted on the ward at any time as they are an infection risk.
  • Television and Radio services are provided by a contractor called Hostel. Pamphlets for this service are available at the front of the unit at a console mounted on the wall beside the vending machines.
  • A Patient Lounge is available for our patients comfort. We have a television and comfortable lounge if you would like a change from your bed. However if your white cell count is low, please ask a nurse.
  • Breakfast arrives around 8am, lunch at 12:30pm and dinner around 5:30pm. Morning tea, afternoon tea and supper are also provided. We have vending machines with various goods available and a coffee shop and sandwich outlet within the hospital . However if your white cell count is low, please ask a nurse before leaving the ward.
  • A public pay telephone is available on the ground floor near Lift B.
  • Haematology/Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)Single rooms are allocated according to clinical need. If you are in a single room, you may be moved if a patient with a high clinical need requires a single room.
  • Doors to the unit and your single rooms are kept closed for your protection. Please ensure that they are shut at all times.
  • You will be provided with a hand gel called Aqium Gel. This is useful in helping to prevent you catching an infection. Ensure that you wash your hands after going to the toilet and use this gel before eating or whenever necessary.
  • Please make sure that you bring with you any toiletries you need such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo & conditioner, tissues, electric razors, hair combs and brushes. A blade razor is not recommended for those with a low platelet count. Bring comfortable pyjamas or tracksuits.
  • Intravenous cannulae or central lines will not be disconnected for any reason (unless no longer required), this includes showering, as the risk of infection, injury to the vein or blockages in the lines is extremely high.

Haematology/Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)Chemotherapy

  • Chemotherapy is a single drug or combination of cytotoxic (or anti-cancer) drugs that work together in an attempt to kill as many cancer cells as possible and induce remission of your disease. These drugs may be given to you orally, via an intravenous drip, injection or, occasionally by intrathecal injection. Your doctor and nurse will discuss your treatment with you.
  • Side effects of these drugs can include nausea and vomiting, loss of your hair and a metallic taste in your mouth. Your nurse or doctor will discuss possible side effects of your treatment with you.
  • The nurses who will give you these drugs will be dressed in protective garments such as purple gloves, mask, gown and goggles. This equipment protects the nurse from repeated exposure to the drugs.
  • Safety issues for you and your family includes you staying close by your bed while chemotherapy is in progress. This is considered necessary as your treatment must be monitored continuously. If your pump equipment should alarm please use the nurse call system and a nurse will attend as soon as possible.

Central Lines

  • A central line may be inserted if you are going to be receiving particular intravenous medications/chemotherapy or if the staff are having trouble getting a cannula inserted
  • A central line is inserted either in the Intensive Care Unit or in Radiology
  • Your Doctor or Nurse will discuss the different types and insertion of these lines with you if indicated
  • If you are discharged with a central line or portacath, ensure you have had weekly (central lines) or monthly (portacaths) flushes and dressings organised for you either in the outpatient department or with a community nurse
  • Monitor your central line for signs of infection i.e. redness, itch, heat, pus at entry site
  • Call the Ambulatory Haematology Unit (8738 5260) to arrange review if any concerns or if the dressing has become soiled or loose.

Mouth Care

  • Your mouth may get sore during your treatment. It is important that you maintain a clean mouth at all times. This will help minimise any infections. You will be given further advice on mouthcare from your nurse.
  • Smoking can make your sore mouth worse as well as increase your risk of developing a serious lung infection. Please discuss with your nurse the possibility of obtaining nicotine patches for your comfort.

Patient Monitoring

  • Haematology/Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)While you are at high risk of infection the nurses will need to keep a close eye on you. Your Blood Pressure, Pulse, Oxygen Saturation, Temperature & Respirations will be taken every four hours, even through the night. This is necessary so that complications will be noted early.
  • Your fluid intake and output may also be monitored. The nurse will ask you how much you have had to eat or drink and how often you are going to the toilet. It may be necessary to use a pan or bottle
  • Your weight may also be monitored daily.
  • While you are at risk of infection your diet may be modified to reduce the risk.

Medications
Please let your doctor or nurse know if you are taking any medications that are not given to you while you are in hospital by the nurses. This is important so that drug complications and interactions may be avoided.
Other services available at Liverpool Hospital

  • Wig Library 
  • Look Good Feel Better
  • CanTeen (12-24 yrs age with cancer, or those affected by cancer)
  • Leukaemia Foundation 
  • Interpreters
  • Haematology Education and Support Group
  • Cancer Council
  • Patient Liaison Officer
  • Community Health Centre
  • Myeloma Foundation

The social worker coordinates a regular education and support group for haematology patients and carers. At this group you will be able to find support from those who are undergoing the same journey.

If you would like to explore any of the above services please let your nurse or social worker know.

Don't Hesitate To Ask Questions!!!!

If you are unclear about anything, write it down and ask your health carers about anything you do not understand.

Our Nursing Unit Manager, Aaron Manson, is available in office hours to discuss any important issues with you.

Important Phone Numbers

Liverpool Hospital 8738 3000
CB5C 8738 5433
Haematology Consulting 8738 5167
Apheresis Unit 8738 7599 or
8738 7598
Cancer Therapy Centre 8738 5180

 

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Page last updated: 24 March, 2022