A new Oncology Rapid Diagnosis Clinic (RCDC) for patients with suspected (non-haematological) malignancy has opened at Moorabbin Hospital Specialty Clinics. 

The RCDC aims to fill the unmet need of patients requiring an opinion regarding a possible or probable diagnosis of cancer based on clinical picture, imaging or biopsy. Many of these patients fall outside the scope of existing cancer referral pathways, due to symptom burden, rapid clinical progression or uncertainty regarding the diagnosis or type/origin of cancer.

Cancer is essentially a clinical diagnosis (requiring a histological confirmation) and the Oncology Department at Monash Health is available and able to:

• review patients prior to a tissue diagnosis
• assist with streamlining investigations
• attend to symptoms whilst waiting and 
• communicate with and provide education and resources to patients.

This clinic is attended by a senior medical oncologist (Professor Eva Segelov) and an oncology fellow (Dr Marissa Lam).  In its first month, the RCDC has already seen a wide variety of patients. Some examples include:

• a woman with an incidentally reported lytic bone lesions on CT
• an elderly patient with multiple liver lesions suspicious for metastases
• a man attending ED with severe back pain and a local suspicious bone lesion

Key points to note:

• Use the GP or specialist referral on the form here along with all relevant results
• Patients will be seen via telehealth video or in-person- please indicate which option the referrer  believes is more appropriate
• Patients will be triaged to the RCDC with the target of being seen within 10 days of referral. Subsequent to this, appropriate investigations and management (eg. surgical, radiation or medical oncology, palliative care) will be organised
• Patients will generally be reviewed again after the initial diagnosis in the RCDC. This is to facilitate a timely review in a tumour specific clinics depending on the diagnosis
• This RCDC does not replace the existing referral guidelines and pathways for specific tumour types 
• Telehealth video consultations are available in the current Covid-19 environment.

Access the referral form at: https://monashhealth.org/services/oncology/
 

 

Referrals
Referrals through Specialist Clinic Access department clearly requesting Kingston Urodynamics clinic
P: 1300 342 173
F: 9594 2273 
E: enquiries@monashhealth.org

Please detail the presenting bladder complaint on referral and provide a health summary - including a list of current medications and allergies. Provider number of referring GP is required

For further information regarding the Kingston Urodynamics Clinic
E: catherine.valeri@monashhealth.org
P: 9265 1411

 

While pregnant women who develop COVID-19 do not appear to become more unwell than other people, they are considered a vulnerable group.   To minimise potential infection, antenatal care at Monash Women’s continues to be provided by telehealth as far as possible.   To triage women to appropriate care teams, please include a blood pressure measurement (BP) when referring a woman for pregnancy care.   The maternity referral booking form is available: here   In order to have a current BP for their telehealth appointment, women are being asked to: hire a home blood pressure monitor to self-measure BP on the day of their telehealth appointment or visit their GP for a BP check or visit their chemist for a BP check.   For guidelines on target blood pressure levels for pregnancy click here   For contact information click here   Up to date information for women and families on pregnancy, birth and postnatal care during this time can be found at www.monashwomens.org For further information regarding maternity services, please email Maternity GPLiaison on: rebecca.fradkin@monashhealth.org

 

T: 1300-4-INREACH (1300 4 4673224)

• Specialist geriatric staff available:
  • via telehealth or visits
  • 8am to 8pm, seven days a week
• 
  Nursing staff available 24 hours a day

• The Residential InReach team are available to:
  • assist with management of unwell clients in facilities,
  • clarify goals of care
  • manage difficult behaviors
  • assist with procedures and 
  • provide general education to facilities.

RAPID Palliative Care support team
T: 0419 882 619
E: rapidpc@monashhealth.org

• Palliative medical and nursing staff available:
  • via telehealth
  • 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
• Rapid Palliative Care Support are available to assist with the management of palliative care issues in aged care facilities.

Protecting your patients and staff
The COVID-19 situation is dynamic and evolving. We encourage you to check regularly and follow the latest advice and precautions communicated by the Australian Department of Health and Health and Human Services Victoria to protect you and your staff.

 

 

Access the referral form at: 
https://monashhealth.org/services/oncology/