The Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP) can be contacted directly by people with a cancer diagnosis, family members and care givers. Health Care Professionals are also able to refer clients to the Oncology Nurse Practitioner.
Catchment: Wimmera Catchment Area including Wimmera Health Care Group; Stawell Regional Health; East Grampians Health Service
An Oncology Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse educated and authorised to function in an advanced and extended clinical role, in the specialist field of Cancer.
The ONP provides a consultative service which may include:
1. Regular review of patients with complex needs
2. Initial patient consultations with VMO
3. Rapid response consultation; provision of rapid, timely assessment for symptom management and oncological emergencies. Liaison with Medical Oncologist, GP, Emergency staff &/ or Regional Staff.
4. Support and advice on the care and management of Central Venous Access Device (Ports and PICC's)
5 Counselling of newly diagnosed patients
6. Decision making support (treatment /end of life)
Criteria for referral: A
• Patients of WHCG, SRH &/or EGHC diagnosed with cancer and
Criteria B:
- Patients with complex needs which may include one or more of the following:
- Significant physical symptoms of disease or treatment side effects
- Psycho /social issues
- Carer difficulties
- Use of more than three community service providers
Availability: the ONP is available Monday to Friday from 8-4:30, appointments and consultations out of these hours may be arranged