Lead image: Jeanille Terrington, Clinical Nurse Specialist Oncology preparing a RAT for a patient.
Friday 4 February is World Cancer Day, an opportunity to raise awareness, improve education and promote collaborative action towards the elimination of preventable cancer deaths and equitable access to life-saving cancer treatment.
This year’s theme, ‘Close the Care Gap’, aims to raise awareness about the many barriers individuals who need cancer treatment face. Through collaboration, research and education we all have a role to play in reducing the global impact of cancer.
When asked how Monash Health is supporting our cancer patients during COVID-19, Kim Rogers, Director of Clinical Operations, Cancer Services, highlighted the extensive screening and treatment program in place to ensure the safety of our patients.
Led by the Monash Health Cancer Services Department, the program is a collaborative approach to testing, treatment and follow-up care of cancer patients with COVID-19. Kim expressed the aim of the program and how it is benefiting our patients.
“The aim of this program is to ensure we continue to deliver first class care for a very vulnerable patient cohort. Supporting them when they may contract COVID-19 ensuring they know they are not alone, and we will be with them every step of the way.”
Upon arrival at our clinics, patients are escorted to their treatment chairs and assisted by a nurse to undertake a rapid antigen test. If the patient’s rapid antigen test returns a positive result, the nurse goes onto perform a PCR test for confirmation that COVID-19 is detected.
If a positive PCR result comes back, the patient is reviewed by the medical team to ensure they are informed about COVID-19 self-care and are safe to return home. Most patients will have a break from their treatment, and it will be rescheduled. If the patient fits the admission requirements, they are referred to the Sotrovimab clinic, run by our Hospital in The Home team.
For individuals who are immunocompromised and more likely to suffer severe illness or death from COVID-19, Sotrovimab aims to decrease the likelihood of severe COVID-19 disease and minimise the risks of developing long COVID.
Within three days of the PCR testing, the clinic Bookings Team will call our patients to ensure they are doing well and are safe at home. The Bookings Team will inform the patient that their ongoing care will be provided by our COVID Positive Care Pathways team.
When discussing the benefits of the program, Kim shared how it allows closer monitoring of immunocompromised patients for COVID-19 and a network of support for them and their carers if they test positive. The program also ensures adjustment of cancer treatment and referral to appropriate COVID-19 treatments including Sotrovimab. Kim expressed her gratitude for all the teams involved in the program.
“I am grateful and proud of all the teams, that at such short notice were able to institute this model across several disciplines quickly and seamlessly.”
This program is just one example of the many programs led by the Monash Health Cancer Services Department. For more information about the Monash Health Cancer Services Department, visit the Monash Health website.
To learn more about World Cancer Day, and how it is commemorated around the world, visit the World Cancer Day website.