Oncology Department
Spire Dunedin provides cancer treatment in a comfortable and caring environment.
This purpose built facility was opened in 2006 and was specifically designed around the needs of patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Each patient is treated in the privacy of a room known as a ‘POD’. Each POD has been designed around the needs of the patient and includes a personal TV and free WiFi access. Refreshments are freely available for both patients and their families together with a complementary light meal for all patients.
Support for patients
The Oncologists and Haematologists practicing here are supported by an Oncology Nurse Consultant and a team of dedicated, specially trained nurses. We are able to offer our patients an excellent level of support to include:
- 24 hour emergency hospital contact number for all patients undergoing chemotherapy
- Breast Cancer Support Nurse on site
- Access to other cancer specific nurses based at Royal Berkshire Hospital
- Monthly support meetings young breast cancer patients known as “Bosom Buddies”.
Promoting wellbeing during chemotherapy
There is a lot you can do to promote a feeling of well-being throughout your treatment:
- A balanced diet is essential; some people prefer to eat small regular meals instead of larger meals, to aid digestion. There may be some dietary restrictions with certain treatments but your nurse will go through these with you. Try to increase your fluid intake, particularly around the time you receive your chemotherapy.
- Some people feel fatigued during treatment, so it is important that you listen to the signs your body gives when it needs to rest. Try to reduce activities for a few days around treatment time until you are used to how you feel during treatment.
- It is not necessary to give up gentle exercise such as walking or any hobbies you enjoy, but try to pace yourself so that you are not placing too many demands on your body. If you feel well enough, you may continue to drive and to work.
- Allowing family and friends to help you takes some of the strain off you and helps them feel involved.
NOTE: Please do not use any health/alternative medicines without discussing these with your consultant/pharmacist as sometimes these can impact on the chemotherapy drugs you are being given.