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Patient Information
 About 60,000 people in NSW will be diagnosed with cancer this year. SWSLHD cares for 5,000 of those, so we are very experienced. Many people will be cured but the diagnosis is still very worrying, so here are some helpful tips that others have recommended, when they were in your situation:
General Treatment Information
After Hours Medical Care
If you require medical care after hours, please phone or go to your local Emergency Department, and advise them of your current treatment and diagnosis. If you need to contact your oncologist, telephone the hospital switchboard number.
Interpreter Services
If you need an interpreter for yourself or a family member, please tell your doctor, nurse or another member of the healthcare team. Sign language interpreters for the deaf/hard of hearing and spoken language interpreters for non-English speakers will be arranged at no cost. Find further information at http://www.swslhd.nsw.gov.au/services/Interpreter/
Look Good Feel Better
Virtual workshops to make you feel better.
Skincare and make-up session - 1 Hour
Wigs and Headwear session - 1 hour.
Available workshops - Listings
Skincare & Makeup + Wigs & Headware - Information
Home Delivered Confidence Kit - Referral Form
Register on at www.lgfb.org.au the workshop will be deliver via Zoom.
Questions & Answers |
| Q1 |
How do I get after hours/emergency help.
If you are undergoing cancer treatment, ask your healthcare team what to do in an emergency, so you can be prepared. If something happens or if you are worried, phone or go to your local Emergency Department, and tell them about your current treatment, diagnosis and doctor. If you need to contact your oncologist, telephone the hospital switchboard number.
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| Q2 |
How can I access Interpreter services.
Let your healthcare team know if you need an interpreter. Sign language and interpreters for non-English speakers will be arranged at no cost.
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| Q3 |
Will my experience be the same as someone else?
Remember that every experience with cancer is different - stories you hear may not apply to your situation.
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| Q4 |
I am worried, who can I talk to?
Any cancer diagnosis is a challenge, try to keep a positive outlook, and find out as much as you can about your situation.
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| Q5 |
What if I can't remember what the doctor said
Write down information in a notebook such as the date and reason for an appointment. You may need this information to look at later or when you are talking to family members or for insurance and government forms.
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| Q6 |
Can I bring family with me?
Take a family member or friend with you, when you see your oncologist – they can help you remember what you discussed
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| Q7 |
What can others help me with?
Make a help list - things that would be helpful to you or your family, for example making a meal, or driving the kids to sport. Then, when someone says, How can I help? you can look through your list. You, and the person offering to help, will both benefit. Friends and family may want to help but need to know how they can help!
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| Q8 |
Can I get a second opinion?
It is all right to raise the question of a second opinion with your Doctor at a regular appointment at the Centre.
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| Q9 |
How much information do I need?
Tell your oncologist (cancer doctor) how much information you want. If you do not understand anything, please say so. When your need for information changes, let our staff know this as well.
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| Q10 |
Where can I get more information?
We recognise that you will want to have information about your cancer, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis (outcome). Our staff can direct you to resources that may be of assistance throughout your journey.
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| Q11 |
What treatment will I have?
Before your treatment starts, your Doctor will talk to you about your diagnosis, your options for treatment and the side effects of treatment so that you may give informed consent. You can change your mind at any time or ask for more information from members of your treatment team to make sure that you have made the best treatment decision for yourself.
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| Q12 |
What is 'Informed Consent'?
Before your treatment starts, your Doctor will talk to you about your diagnosis, your options for treatment and the side effects of treatment so that you may give informed consent. You can change your mind at any time or ask for more information from members of your treatment team to make sure that you have made the best treatment decision for yourself.
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| Q13 |
Are there support services available?
The NSW Cancer Council can provide some helpful services, their web site contains a directory of support services available in your community.
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Patient Testimony Video
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