Communities in Midrand and surrounds now have access to a new modern chemotherapy unit in addition to the existing oncology services offered at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital.
“The new chemotherapy unit extends the range of treatments we are able to provide to cancer patients, and we hope that this development will help to make it more convenient and accessible for them if they have to undergo chemotherapy,” says Sandile Mbele, Netcare’s Gauteng South West regional director.
According to Noeleen Phillipson, Netcare’s executive responsible for oncology, the chemotherapy services offered at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital are backed with evidence-based protocols and a caring, dedicated multidisciplinary team of specialists, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Pic: (A new modern chemotherapy unit has opened at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital in Midrand. Adding to the range of cancer care already available at the hospital, the chemotherapy services are backed by evidence-based protocols and a caring, dedicated multidisciplinary team of specialists, nurses and other healthcare professionals who recognise that each patient’s diagnosis and treatment journey is unique.)
“With nuclear medicine and surgical treatment options, including the highly advanced Da Vinci Si robotic-assisted surgery system used to treat localised prostate cancer, as well as kidney and bladder cancers, already operational at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital, the introduction of a chemotherapy service there means that we are now able to fight a bigger range of cancers in the most effective way.
“Netcare recognises that each individual cancer diagnosis is unique and each treatment journey is guided by a committed multidisciplinary team of specialists, our caring and experienced nursing staff and healthcare practitioners supporting the treatment,” she adds.
Medical oncologist, Dr Jason Naicker, and clinical oncologist, Dr Christiaan Jordaan, are specialists in chemotherapy and form an integral part of the multidisciplinary team, which also includes radiation oncologists Dr Yastira Ramdas and Dr Hyacinth Mboyi; nuclear medicine specialist, Dr Katarina Milos; various surgeons; pathologists; medical physicists; and radiologists. This team, which is chaired by Dr Naicker, collaborates to determine the optimal approach for treating each patient.
Dr Ramdas and Dr Mboyi have consulting facilities at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital and provide their patients with radiotherapy at the dedicated cancer care centres located at Netcare Olivedale, Netcare Unitas, Netcare Clinton and Netcare Pinehaven hospitals, as well as at the SA Gamma Knife centre at Netcare Milpark Hospital.
The chemotherapy unit has five comfortable treatment stations, and is situated in an area of the hospital that offers scenic views. The new unit has been designed to provide a tranquil environment for patients undergoing chemotherapy and, in common with all such facilities at Netcare hospitals, treatment is provided in accordance with the South African Oncology Consortium’s protocols.
Oncology pharmacists are responsible for mixing the chemotherapy drugs in a laminar flow cabinet. Chemotherapy infusions are administered in open areas where patients can chat to each other or friends and family accompanying them. However, the unit is designed in a way that it also offers privacy during treatment to patients who prefer this. Each treatment station is equipped with a flat screen TV for patients who prefer entertainment during infusion sessions, while WiFi access is also available.
“Netcare’s approach to cancer care services is based on the principles of the appropriate use of high-end treatment technology and collaboration with independent oncologists embracing best practice in oncology treatment, so that patients are assured of clinical excellence,” Phillipson points out.
“At the same time, individuals requiring chemotherapy are also supported through services such as counselling and guidance on coping with the illness, nutritional advice by dieticians and physiotherapy provided by physiotherapists for patients suffering with lymphoedema.
“We strive to provide patients with real support while being respectful of the deeply personal journey of each individual. We recognise that everyone will have their own way of coping, and our approach is to offer not only world-class clinical treatments but also caring, professional guidance that is empathetic of patients’ individual needs. We ensure that no one fights cancer alone,” Phillipson says.
Mbele points out that Netcare Waterfall City Hospital’s cancer services are furthermore strengthened by diagnostic capabilities, such as those offered through the radiology and pathology departments.
“The spectrum of cancer care services that are available at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital means that we can answer the needs of our patients even better. The addition of the new chemotherapy unit is a significant development in the services we offer to cancer patients in Gauteng and, in fact, across South Africa,” he concludes.
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Issued by: Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Netcare Waterfall City Hospital
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney and Meggan Saville
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]