10 things to improve your experience at Peter Mac in 2024
12 January 2024
As we embark on a new year, it may be helpful to reacquaint yourself with some of the services available to assist you during your treatment and beyond.
Whether you’re a new patient or you’ve been with us for a while, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten services to assist you to have the best possible experience when you visit Peter Mac.
The recently updated patient welcome pack is a helpful resource that contains lots of information that you may need throughout your time with us. It contains key services, phone numbers and web links to assist you to navigate your treatment.
Download the information pack
Health Hub makes it easier for you to stay across important information about your care and treatment at Peter Mac, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Royal Women’s Hospital.
Through Health Hub you can see upcoming appointments, prescribed medications, information about your recent hospital visits, some test results, allergies and details of your existing health problems and diagnoses.
You may also be able to view some clinicians’ notes, change or cancel appointments and update some personal details such as chosen name, gender identity and pronouns.
Sign up for Health Hub
Every Peter Mac cancer stream has a dedicated patient navigator.
Your patient navigator is the first person to call when you need help to understand appointment instructions, need to change appointment times or want to get in touch with your Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC), doctor or any member of your Peter Mac care team.
Find out more about your Patient Navigator
Peter Mac’s Wellbeing Centre, located on level one, is a place for patients and carers to relax and receive support.
There’s a kitchen with tea and coffee making facilities, comfy chairs, a garden and lots of helpful resources and information.
The centre’s staff can assist you with general enquiries and they can also book you in for the many educational sessions on offer, including support groups, health and wellbeing seminars and legal assistance.
Find out more about Wellbeing Centre services
Did you know that you may be able to attend some of your appointments remotely via a telehealth appointment? Ask your Peter Mac doctor, Patient Navigator, or nurse if you would like a telehealth consultation.
Find out more about Telehealth
Cancer affects not only your physical health, but also your emotional health. Some people diagnosed with cancer may experience anxiety, fear of cancer recurrence or progression, pain, sleep difficulties, depression, worry about fertility, disfigurement, changes in relationships and sexual functioning.
Our Psychosocial Oncology Program is made up of mental health nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists that can provide you with free-of-charge counselling.
Find out about Psychosocial Oncology
Located on level 2, the patient information hub is full of resources about cancer and its treatment, including many brochures from Cancer Council and leading cancer organisations.
The Hub is located near the 2D waiting area.
We have put together an A-Z of everyday cancer words and terms which may be able to assist you during your cancer diagnosis and treatment. But remember, you can ask any member of your treating team at Peter Mac to clarify any terms you don't understand.
Check out the A-Z of Cancer Words and Terms
Peter Mac’s Volunteer Services department provide many services for patients and carers and are on hand to assist you when you visit the building.
If you need help to find a location in the building, look out for a volunteer in a purple vest in the welcome hall who can help you find your way.
Volunteer services also manage pet therapy, the headwear and wig library, patient library, hairdressing, manicure and massage.
They also provide a convenience trolley for inpatients and a range of patient support products free of charge.
Find out more about booking a Volunteer Services support service
During your cancer treatment, you may see some changes in your skin, hair, and overall appearance. The Look Good, Feel Better service is here to help you manage those changes and feel better about yourself.
They have workshops for women, men, and teens that cover skincare, make up and headwear. These workshops are created to help you feel more confident and empowered during your cancer journey.
Book a LGFB session