10 things to know about the Cancer Care Services at John Fawkner Private Hospital

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, you want the highest possible standards of clinical care and support. Quality cancer care involves much more than medical or surgical treatments. It considers you as a whole person, including your mental, emotional and social wellbeing, as well as your physical health.

At John Fawkner Private Hospital in Melbourne, our Cancer Care Services team supports you and your loved one throughout the cancer journey. Here is an introduction to our Melbourne cancer care services at John Fawkner Private Hospital.

You’ll receive comprehensive cancer care

To ensure you have access to the best in evidence-based cancer care, John Fawkner Private Hospital offers a range of speciality services. This includes dedicated cancer specialists including medical oncologists, haematologists, radiation oncologists and our rehabilitation physician.

Our day infusion department is open Monday to Friday, providing services including intravenous infusions (for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, blood transfusions, iron infusions and other specialised treatments), venesection, and portacath and PICC line management and education.

We also have a Clinical Nurse Specialist who can support you through breast cancer treatment. With additional training in breast care, she can help with things like understanding your treatment options and potential side effects, information on prosthesis and bra fittings, referral to allied health practitioners, and emotional support during what can be a difficult time.

Your care will be holistic

In addition to our medical staff, we have a multidisciplinary care team to support your overall mental and emotional wellbeing. To ensure you receive holistic care tailored to your needs, you may be referred to one or more other dedicated health professionals. These may include a:

breast care nurse
physiotherapist
dietitian
counsellor
lymphoedema professional

Your team members communicate with each other regularly to ensure everyone is on the same page with regards to your care.

The focus is on you

Everyone’s experience with cancer is different, and we don’t take a one-size-fits all approach. At John Fawkner Private Hospital, our focus is you, with services tailored to your preferences throughout your care journey. We’ll take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and answer your questions.

We’ll offer our expert clinical advice, and work with you to tailor a treatment approach that considers your needs and individual circumstances.

You’ll gain access to our team’s experience and expertise

The team at John Fawkner Private Hospital work in cancer care because they’re committed to making a difference in people’s lives. Our staff and accredited private specialists strive to provide the best clinical care in their fields.

Not only are they skilled and knowledgeable, but the healthcare team will treat you with respect and sensitivity. We see ourselves as your partner in care.

Receive state-of-the-art treatments

At John Fawkner Private Hospital, we have the latest technology to ensure you receive the most up-to-date care. Thanks to a $55 million upgrade, we offer state-of-the art surgical, medical, coronary and intensive care services, as well as leading cancer care.

At the ICON Cancer Centre onsite, Varian Halcyon 2.0 technology means you can receive the most advanced radiation therapy – delivered faster in a quieter and more spacious environment. The ICON Cancer Centre also conducts clinical trials.

What’s important to you is important to us

Because each person’s cancer journey is unique, we know different things matter to different people. If you have concerns over how cancer has affected your appearance, you can access the Look Good Feel Better program. Run by trained and certified beauty professionals, this program supports adults and teens with cancer to feel confident by teaching techniques to help manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. It includes lessons on cosmetics, skin and nail care, wigs and turbans, and accessories and styling.

Your care in a convenient location

We understand going through cancer treatment is challenging. To help make it as stress-free as possible, our services are available from the one convenient location at John Fawkner Private Hospital in Coburg, in Melbourne’s north.

We’re the only facility in the northern suburbs to offer both oncology and haematology. We also have onsite radiology, chemotherapy and pathology services.

We have a café onsite as well as free car parking and free Wi-Fi.

You can get an iron infusion quickly

Our Day Services Department offers fast turnaround iron infusions. Your GP can fax a referral to us and you’ll be offered the next available appointment.

You’ll feel like part of a community

We understand that when you’re going through cancer treatment, it can sometimes feel like you spend more time in hospital than at home. We do everything we can to make the environment as warm, welcoming and relaxed as possible. You’ll get to know our staff and see many familiar faces on each visit. We hope your time with us will help you feel like you’re part of a caring community.