Gippsland Cancer Care Centre
The Gippsland Cancer Care Centre (GCCC) provides comprehensive cancer care services including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and specialist consulting and support services.
The centre is situated at the western end of the Latrobe Regional Hospital precinct near the main entrance.
Radiation oncology services are delivered by Gippsland Radiation Oncology which is a satellite service of Alfred Health.
If you are undergoing treatment at the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre you will have access to a nurse specialising in cancer care to help you manage your journey.
Affordable motel-style accommodation is available at Gippsland Rotary Centenary House, a community-owned facility which is a short drive to the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre.
No matter where you are in Gippsland, you will have access to a coordinated cancer service. Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Services (GRICS) links 16 health providers across the region to improve cancer care and access to services.
About the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre
The Gippsland Cancer Care Centre (GCCC) officially opened in 2006 and at the time was the only regional cancer service in Victoria with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and consulting rooms.
It is a publically funded facility providing a comprehensive range of treatment options for Gippsland cancer patients.
The completion of a $22 million expansion in 2014 represents a significant milestone in the delivery of accessible, high quality cancer care in Gippsland.
The purposefully designed facility provides access to state-of-the-art treatment technology ensuring patients are able to receive the best possible treatment while remaining close to their home, family and friends.
Services now include:
- an expanded Chemotherapy Day Unit
- an expanded radiotherapy service through William Buckland Radiotherapy Gippsland with two Linear Accelerators and provision for a third if required
- improved access to diagnostic services
- access to multi-disciplinary treatment planning
- specialist nursing staff.
The GCCC employs an experienced, multi-disciplinary team which is committed to a patient-centred model of care. This commitment will ensure our highly skilled and dedicated staff will demonstrate respect, compassion, accountability and innovation in their work ensuring you, your family and friends will always remain the focus of the work they perform.
Treatments for cancer
Different treatments for cancer are used alone or in combination. Most cancers are treated with surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (radiation treatment). Other treatments, such as hormone therapy, can also be used for some types of cancer.
Your treatment depends on several factors, including:
- the type of cancer you have
- where it began
- whether it has spread to other parts of your body
- your general health and your age
- what treatment option you choose.
Travelling to treatment
While treatment schedules can vary for individuals, most people have treatment as outpatients.
If you have to travel a long way to treatment, you may be able to get some financial assistance towards the cost of accommodation or travel. To check your eligibility or to make an application, speak to a hospital social worker or call the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
The Gippsland Rotary Centenary House Inc is a community owned facility that provides safe, supportive and affordable accommodation to patients/families of the GCCC. Details of Centenary House are available on their website – Gippsland Rotary Centenary House Website
How much does treatment cost?
Chemotherapy drugs are expensive, but most people only have to pay for a fraction of the cost because many drugs are heavily subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
There are some drugs that aren't covered by the PBS. You may have to pay for medications to relieve the side effects of chemotherapy (such as anti-nausea drugs).
If you are concerned about this issue please discuss with your treating specialist.
Which health professionals could I see?
Health professionals who care for people having cancer treatment include:
- Radiation Oncologist: a specialist doctor who prescribes and coordinates the course of radiotherapy treatment and advises about side effects
- Radiation Therapist: plans and delivers the radiation treatments
- Radiation Oncology nurses: help you manage side effects that you may experience during treatment
- Radiation Physicist: ensures that treatment is delivered accurately and safely
- Medical Oncologist: a specialist doctor who prescribes and coordinates the course of chemotherapy treatment and advises about side effects and cancer related issues
- Chemotherapy nurses: administer the chemotherapy treatment and help you manage any side effects of treatment
- Cancer Care Nurses: coordinate care for patients and families throughout the cancer journey (see below)
- Allied health staff: including a dietitian, who will discuss the best eating plan for you, social worker, speech pathologist, physiotherapist and occupational therapist, who can advise you on support services and help you get back to your usual activities.
Further information
