I need support with...
Welcome to the Princess Alexandra Hospital Cancer Wellness website. We have designed this site to compliment the care you and your family/carers receive during and after your cancer treatment.
This site has been developed by clinicians who work in cancer services to provide you with current evidence-based information and a group of people who have been through cancer treatment telling us what would have been helpful for them. It is a live work in progress, so if there is information you would like more information on please let us know.
We know having cancer treatment can be tough for both yourself (whether you are a patient or the family/carers). We hope this information will help you find harmony in the physical, emotional, social, environmental, financial, occupational and intellectual parts of your life both during and after your treatment. We are here to help and support you.
What's happening at the PA Hospital
Laryngectomy Support Group
The Laryngectomy Support Group has been established to support people who have undergone specific head and neck surgery. The group is facilitated by a Speech Pathologist working in ENT. This program offers a supportive environment to talk about experiences and gather information on a range of topics eg Communication, Swallowing, Diet and Nutrition, Radiation Therapy, Exercise.
1D Conference Room, First Floor, Main Block, PA Hospital
First Thursday of each month (except no meeting in January)
Long Term Speech Pathology Clinic
Swallowing and communication difficulties that result from radiation and surgery to the head and neck can occur during treatment or may develop or continue long after treatment has ended. Speech Pathology provides a dedicated service to assess and help manage changes in swallowing and communication after treatment. Speech Pathologists can provide advice and information on the safest and/or most comfortable foods and drinks to consume, organise further investigations of swallowing difficulties and develop rehabilitation plans with a goal to improve swallowing function. The speech pathologist can also complete assessment of communication changes and develop plans for rehabilitation or implement different communication options or strategies that may assist. Your GP or treating medical team can provide a referral to this service.
PA Hospital
Half Day Clinic
Lymphoedema Therapy
There are a range of physiotherapy and occupational therapy services at the Princess Alexandra Hospital which assist people who have developed lymphoedema as a result of cancer or its treatment. These services offer education, treatment and ongoing support for eligible people diagnosed with lymphoedema. Please ask your doctor or nurse about a referral if you are experiencing symptoms of lymphoedema.
Multiple referral options at the PA Hospital
No set time