This dedicated webpage provides information to support community nursing partners in providing care for Peter Mac patients. It also serves as a comprehensive resource for nurses seeking insights and guidance on cancer nursing care in the community. Our Community Liaison Nurses coordinates all contracts with community providers and ensure adherence to the contractual agreement.
Peter Mac @ Home visits two categories of patient’s, Hospital in the home patient (HITH) and non-admitted patients (Non-HITH).
HITH patients are admitted patients to the hospital and require daily visits. The external provider should give a daily verbal handover and complete a documented day attendance form at each visit.
Non-HITH patients are not admitted patients to the hospital but require hospital nursing care in the home.
Our patients may become unwell due to their disease or treatment while in the community. Without urgent assessment and intervention this can be life threatening. For more information, visit Management of the deteriorating patient in the community.
Chronic wound care should be referred to Bolton Clarke. If admitted to a ward and the patient is discharged, they are eligible for Post Acute care which must be completed by the referring ward.
Here you will find:
- Information that assists community nurse partners in the delivery of care for our patients in the community
- Nurses who want to further their knowledge in cancer nursing in the community Peter Mac have online modules available for a fee. Please follow the links on Cancer Nursing in the Community on how to enrol.
Vacuum Assisted Therapy (VAC) and Prevena Management
Vacuum wound therapy (VAC) is a daily visit and required a full assessment. This includes wound assessment, depth, width, and length assessment recorded. The patient will have a wound care regimen in place that requires dressing changes up to three times a week, as determined by the home care team.
Patients require education on managing the device at home, including knowing when to seek help if the device alarms or if the dressing integrity is no longer in place.. The patient will always be linked in with RMH City hub and can call 0428 095 891 from 6pm-7am. During business hours, contact Peter Mac @ Home at (03) 8559 6800 from 7am to 6pm.
If the device is faulty and not maintaining suction, call Peter Mac @ Home as it may need replacement. If the patient is running low on supplies call Peter Mac @ Home. If the wound changes in colour, size or output, or if there is a sudden change in odour, seek medical attention and notify Peter Mac @ Home.
For patient information on VAC therapy please refer to the Patient VAC information brochure.
Other VACs used at home include the Prevena, with a maximum duration of 7 days, and Prevena Plus, with a maximum duration of 14 days. These VACs are typically placed over an incision site only and are short term VACs with smaller cannisters. The battery will automatically cease functioning after 7 or 14 days, respectively.
More information for patients on Prevena, please refer to the Prevena patient information sheet.
Please refer to the solventum website for patient resources and video on tips and tricks at home:
The KCI vacuum wound therapy machine is alarming due to a leak or blockage.
See ActiVAC Alarm Trouble Shooting Guide .
Alternatively, KCI Customer Service Call Centre professionals are available 24/7:
- Phone: 1300 KCI VAC (1300 524 822)
- Fax: 1800 KCI VAC (1800 524 822)
- Email:
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Drain Tube Management
Our patients may have a drain tube in situ on discharge. We use the following drain tubes:
- Exudrain
- Bellovac
- Surimex
- Jackson Pratt
- Pigtail
All patients will be discharged with a relevant written drain tube removal order, along with care instructions and requirements.
For more information on the management of these devices, please refer to The Peter Mac Wound Drain Tube Management clinical procedure.
Some drains, particularly our Pigtail drains, may require more frequent flushing. This information is highlighted on pages 10 and11on the Wound Drain Tube Management clinical proceduree .
Removing a drain is highlighted on page 6-8 of Wound Drain Tube Management clinical procedure.
Please contact Peter Mac @ Home on (03) 8559 6800 between 7am - 6pm for troubleshooting. If afterhours, 6pm - 7am, please contact City Hub on 0428 095 891.
Managing the administration of Intravenous medications at home
Patients may be discharged into your service requiring Intravenous medications at home. Peter Mac @ home ensures all supplies are provided upon discharge. Some medications are administered using elastomeric baxter bottles containing Intravenous antimicrobials. The antimicrobials we administer at home are highlighted on pages 12 to 14 of the Referral to Peter Mac @ Home clinical procedure.
These patients require close monitoring and follow-up through our infectious disease team at Peter Mac. Typically, this involves face-to-face review once a week.
If you are experiencing a shortage of Baxter bottles or have an issue with how the baxter bottle is infusing. Please contact Peter Mac @ Home on (03) 8559 6800 between 7am - 6pm for troubleshooting. If afterhours, 6pm - 7am, please contact City Hub on 0428 095 891.