Multidisciplinary Cancer Services Centre

At Northern Sydney Central Coast Health Cancer Services, we understand that the treatment of Cancer differs from the treatment of other illnesses and that Cancer is a complicated illness to which there are no simple answers. Patients with cancer quite often need more than one form of treatment - surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, rehabilitation and associated treatments.

The care delivered to patients is patient-centred and multidisciplinary in nature. The patient is cared for by an expert team of health professionals in order to provide a complete treatment with less chance of recurrence. Although care is provided by a multidisciplinary team, there will usually be a member of the team who will be the patients' main point of contact. The multidisciplinary teams meet weekly and at this meeting the team decides the treatment direction for patients, the patient is also involved in the decision making about their treatment. Communication between team members is facilitated at this meeting. The treating team works effectively as a team for improved patient outcomes.

Meetings are held in the Multidisciplinary Cancer Services Centre. The Centre uses state-of-the-art technology to present the patients' diagnosis, radiology, pathology and treatment regime.

Benefits of multi-disciplinary model of care

• The best possible treatments are offered to patients at the time of consultation
• Individualised Patient treatment options are explored
• Better treatment leading to improved survival and quality of life for patients
• Patients are supported by a specialist breast nurse throughout their continuum of care