At SHRTC our radiation therapy patients receive comprehensive care, including access to the following services.
Symptom Management Assessment and Referral Team (SMART Clinic)
The SMART Clinic offers palliative care that focuses on providing pain relief and symptom control to enhance quality of life. Western Health provides this service in conjunction with Mercy Palliative Care at SHRTC. Further information about this service can be found on the Western Health website.
Chemotherapy (concurrent with radiation therapy)
SHRTC provides a limited chemotherapy service to patients receiving concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This service is provided by a medical oncologist and chemotherapy nurses.
Radiotherapy nursing
In consultation with your radiation oncologist, our radiotherapy nurses will help manage all your acute treatment-related side effects and conditions. The team also provides support to quit smoking.
Nutrition and dietetics
This department helps patients to maintain a healthy diet during their treatment. The dietitian can provide education on nutritional strategies to help with cancer and the side effects of treatment. Recommendations about nutritional supplements and tube feeding will also be provided if you need it.
Social work
Our social work staff can support you and your family during treatment by providing emotional support, practical assistance and referrals.
Psychology
During your cancer treatment, the psychology department can provide information and advice to you and your family about psychological conditions and how best to manage them.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can optimise your physical function and quality of life. Our on-site physiotherapists can assess and treat a variety of conditions that affect physical function related to cancer and its treatments.
Occupational therapy
Cancer and the effects of radiation therapy can impose limitations on a person's participation in their work and daily life. Our highly qualified occupational therapists can help you maximise your quality of life and productivity.
Speech therapy
Our speech therapists provide care for difficulties with swallowing, speech, voice and language issues caused by your cancer or the effects of treatment.
Interpreters
We understand how important it is to ensure you fully understand your treatment and any potential side effects. We therefore ensure that qualified interpreters are made available on request.
Accessing services
Please speak to your treating team about accessing any of these services.
Learn more about referring a patient to Sunshine Hospital Radiation Therapy Centre
