South West Healthcare’s (SWH) Day Oncology Unit is located on level 1 in the South West Regional Cancer Centre (SWRCC). Directly opposite the Warrnambool Base Hospital in Ryot Street, the SWRCC is a state of the art building opened in 2016 to provide many aspects of cancer care all in the one place.
With views overlooking Lady Bay, the Day Oncology Unit operates four days per week to provide patients from around South West Victoria and into South Australia cancer treatment.
Specialist Oncology Nursing staff work alongside Medical Practitioners and Oncology Pharmacists to ensure patient care is personalised and coordinated throughout your treatment.
You will be greeted by the friendly staff who will undertake the admission process and then escort you to your treatment area. These areas have recliner chairs and tv for your comfort throughout the day.
If you choose to, you may wish to read a book, magazine, or you can just sit and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean or surrounding Warrnambool city while you have your treatment administered.
During your treatment, you may also have a visit from other SWH staff including the oncology pharmacist, clinical trials nurse, cancer care nurses, dietitian or social worker. These staff may also be involved in your care during your cancer treatment and form part of your broader cancer support team from SWH.
You may wish to bring a support person while you see your Specialist so they can be involved in your care. This is totally optional and a personal choice. During your treatment due to COVID 19 restrictions, your support person will be asked to leave the Day Oncology Unit and return to pick you up when your treatment is finished.
Throughout the day, depending on what time your treatment is provided, you will enjoy morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea, all provided for you in your treatment area.
While undertaking your treatment in Day Oncology you will get to know the Cancer Services team and don’t ever be afraid to ask any question, no matter how small. If you need to, write it down and bring it along on the day so you don’t forget what you would like to ask us.
The work of our cancer services team (some of whom are pictured here, from left: cancer services project development manager Dr Nathalie Davis PhD, CREATe manager Barbara Moll, McGrath breast care nurse Bec Hay and cancer link nurse Sharna Purcell) is significantly enhanced by the generous gifts we receive from many, many donors including, from middle left: the Warrnambool Lions Club (Julianne Clift) and Peter’s Project Foundation (directors Vern Robson, Glenys Phillpot and Vicki Jellie.