Rather than type up a whole page of information here when there is a lot of very good, accurate information available, please click on the links for further information.
The information is sourced from both Australian and US websites, however the information is relevant and comprehensive. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact my nurse practitioner, Jenny Gilchrist.
What you need to know about coronavirus (COVID-19)
Source: www.health.gov.au
Common questions about coronavirus and cancer - answers for patients and survivors
Source: www.cancer.net
Frequently asked questions about coronavirus and breast cancer
Source: Breast Cancer Network Australia
Which cancer patients should be continuing chemotherapy during the coronavirus?
Source: The Guardian
At this stage we are not limiting the cancer treatments available to our patients. Our chemotherapy suite at Macquarie University Hospital is fully staffed and functional, and there are contingency plans in place to avoid having to close the unit. We are currently limiting the number of visitors in the chemotherapy unit to one per patient (although we would prefer none, this is not always possible), and asking people who are unwell to avoid coming to the hospital.
As the situation evolves however, this may change, and we may need to reduce the number of patients and visitors coming into the hospital. We will discuss with you individually if this affects you, or there is to be a change to your treatment plan. Please remember that your health and safety is our number one priority, and we are determined to not have this current global situation impact on your chances of survival.
Work and home
In accordance with current guidelines, we are recommending that patients undergoing chemotherapy isolate themselves where possible, and work from home. If you are unable to work from home, Jenny will be happy to provide you with a letter to request your absence from work for the duration of your chemotherapy.
We also ask you to be conscious (but not paranoid) of what others in your household are doing - the aim is to limit exposure to the virus as much as possible. Whilst we want you to stay isolated, it's not possible for everyone to be isolated. If your family are going out to work or to shop, make sure they are particular about their hand hygiene and cleanliness when returning home. Don't touch surfaces with unclean hands. Your home is your sanctuary.
Appointments
We are trying to minimise face to face contact for the time being, and do telehealth or phone consults where possible. This is not always possible however, and sometimes we do need to see you in person, for example, if you need to be examined. If we think your appointment is best done via telehealth or phone, you will be sent information via text.
Other appointments
You will still need to come into the hospital for chemotherapy and venture out of home for your blood tests and other tests such as echocardiograms. At the moment all these services are running as normal, and there are extra precautions being taken to minimise risk of harm to you.
Final note
You would be aware that this is not the approach we usually advise - we usually advise, "life as normal". These are unprecedented times however and we want you to be safe and be protected as much as possible from coronavirus. We also need to protect ourselves, so we can continue to work and support you all, and minimise the chance of us spreading the virus to you.
This current situation is difficult and please remember we are all here to support you through this. Jemma Gilchrist, our clinical psychologist, is available and appointments can be made via hello@mindmyhealth.com.au, the website www.mindmyhealth.com.au or via phone on 02 8883 0033. Jenny Gilchrist is also available via phone and email.
Updated 25 March 2020
The information is sourced from both Australian and US websites, however the information is relevant and comprehensive. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact my nurse practitioner, Jenny Gilchrist.
What you need to know about coronavirus (COVID-19)
Source: www.health.gov.au
Common questions about coronavirus and cancer - answers for patients and survivors
Source: www.cancer.net
Frequently asked questions about coronavirus and breast cancer
Source: Breast Cancer Network Australia
Which cancer patients should be continuing chemotherapy during the coronavirus?
Source: The Guardian
At this stage we are not limiting the cancer treatments available to our patients. Our chemotherapy suite at Macquarie University Hospital is fully staffed and functional, and there are contingency plans in place to avoid having to close the unit. We are currently limiting the number of visitors in the chemotherapy unit to one per patient (although we would prefer none, this is not always possible), and asking people who are unwell to avoid coming to the hospital.
As the situation evolves however, this may change, and we may need to reduce the number of patients and visitors coming into the hospital. We will discuss with you individually if this affects you, or there is to be a change to your treatment plan. Please remember that your health and safety is our number one priority, and we are determined to not have this current global situation impact on your chances of survival.
Work and home
In accordance with current guidelines, we are recommending that patients undergoing chemotherapy isolate themselves where possible, and work from home. If you are unable to work from home, Jenny will be happy to provide you with a letter to request your absence from work for the duration of your chemotherapy.
We also ask you to be conscious (but not paranoid) of what others in your household are doing - the aim is to limit exposure to the virus as much as possible. Whilst we want you to stay isolated, it's not possible for everyone to be isolated. If your family are going out to work or to shop, make sure they are particular about their hand hygiene and cleanliness when returning home. Don't touch surfaces with unclean hands. Your home is your sanctuary.
Appointments
We are trying to minimise face to face contact for the time being, and do telehealth or phone consults where possible. This is not always possible however, and sometimes we do need to see you in person, for example, if you need to be examined. If we think your appointment is best done via telehealth or phone, you will be sent information via text.
Other appointments
You will still need to come into the hospital for chemotherapy and venture out of home for your blood tests and other tests such as echocardiograms. At the moment all these services are running as normal, and there are extra precautions being taken to minimise risk of harm to you.
Final note
You would be aware that this is not the approach we usually advise - we usually advise, "life as normal". These are unprecedented times however and we want you to be safe and be protected as much as possible from coronavirus. We also need to protect ourselves, so we can continue to work and support you all, and minimise the chance of us spreading the virus to you.
This current situation is difficult and please remember we are all here to support you through this. Jemma Gilchrist, our clinical psychologist, is available and appointments can be made via hello@mindmyhealth.com.au, the website www.mindmyhealth.com.au or via phone on 02 8883 0033. Jenny Gilchrist is also available via phone and email.
Updated 25 March 2020