Despite best efforts, supportive care for people affected by cancer has been impacted by the pandemic.
With delays of more than six weeks to vital services like counselling, and with economic pressures adding to financial toxicity, we know not everyone is accessing the cancer support they need.
Cancer Council Victoria is encouraging health services to refer patients to its supportive care services to help ease the burden during the pandemic and help people to get the support they need.
Its experienced oncology nurses can support all people affected by cancer with a range of concerns and supports such as:
psycho-oncology
managing the costs of cancer
managing treatment and side effects
survivorship
recurrence and palliative care
family issues and talking with children
sexuality and intimacy
clinical trials information
referrals to local support services
With a directory of around 500 support services across Victoria, Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 nurses complete a needs assessment and direct people to their own services as well as local community and government supports.
Health professionals can make a referral by filling in the online form in consultation with the patient or carer. Cancer Council’s nurses will then make contact to discuss their supportive care needs.
To make referrals easy, your health service can embed the referral button into your practice software–send these instructions to your communications or IT teams.
Monday 12 September, 1.00–2.00pm Monday Lunch Livestream: Supportive care options for people during the pandemic Join Cancer Council Victoria as they explore how working in partnership to deliver supportive care services and streamlined referral pathways can improve your practice and deliver better outcomes for patients and carers. Read more and register
Dedicated COVID-19 patient resources
Cancer Council has also produced a range of resources with QR codes to more information for patients including:
COVID-19 Action Plan to prevent, prepare and manage COVID with cancer (includes new treatment information)
Vaccine information
Communication during hospital visitor restrictions
Understanding telehealth
Common FAQs
You can download patient resources from Cancer Council Victoria’s website.
