Cancer Care
The oncology program provides a full range of cancer care services, including in-patient and outpatient diagnoses, treatments, complex symptom management and supportive palliative care services.
Cambridge Memorial Hospital's oncology program is associated with the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre (GRRCC), which provides a regional network of linked professionals and services supporting cancer patients and their families. Our goal is to provide holistic, integrated cancer services closer to home for the residents of Cambridge, North Dumfries and Region of Waterloo.
Our program includes:
- inpatient oncology care - Patients requiring active support during their diagnosis, treatment or require care for complex and severe symptoms are admitted to the Medicine B unit. This unit is staffed with nurses and other disciplines trained to care for patients with cancer.
- an outpatient oncology Medical Day Clinic - The Medical Day Clinic provides diagnostics consultations and treatment including chemotherapy, and supportive and follow up care for cancer patients that do not require hospitalization.
Please note CMH's Oncology Program can no longer accept referrals for patients with hematologic malignancies (i.e., lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia, etc.). Patients with these diseases will be treated at the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre.
Your list for each visit
- Health Card: Always bring your Health Card to each appointment.
- Medications Bring a complete list of the medicine you are taking, including over-the-counter-medications and supplements (e.g., vitamins). Keeping an up-to-date list and photos on your personal device (i.e., smartphone) can be helpful.
- Lab Work: If you have bloodwork, remember to go to the lab before coming to the Medical Day Clinic for your appointment.
- Check-in: Remember to complete Your Symptoms Matter online form before coming in to the clinic.
- Questions: Write down all your questions and bring them with you.
Download this list here
Assistive Devices
Bring any personal assistive devices that you may need for your appointment. For example, any communication or mobility device you may need like a walker, hearing aid, etc.
Care Partners
One Care partner is able to attend all physician appointments and the patient's first systemic therapy treatment (i.e., chemotherapy suite). Ongoing care partner support in the systemic suite is only permitted in circumstances where the patient has cognitive or mobility issues, or there is a language barrier.
Scent Policy
Kindly note that CMH has a strict no scent policy. Kindly refrain from using or wearing perfumes, scented deodorants and scented products before coming to hospital.
Psychosocial support is about addressing the psychological and social needs of both individuals and their families. The goal is to optimize patient and family care using a comprehensive, compassionate and coordinated approach to their psychosocial needs. Referrals are recommended for patients scoring at a 7 or above on the pain, depression, anxiety, or well-being on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System.
A referral can be initiated by a member of the health care team, the patient or a family member. The Social Work team will triage referrals and make contact within 1-3 days based on acuity and urgency. Common referral reasons may include:
|
Advocacy |
Anxiety |
Bereavement |
Caregiver Stress |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Community Resources |
Depression |
End-of-Life Planning |
Family Dynamics |
|
Financial Resources |
Grief/Loss |
Legal |
Medication Coverage |
|
New Diagnosis |
Transportation |
For patients where the need is urgent please contact social work Professional Practice Lead. If the patient is in the clinic and you would like them seen today, please call as soon as possible for the social work team to attempt to meet this need.
Cancer Care Ontario (CCO)
The Managing symptoms, side effects & well being page from Cancer Care Ontario provides information about maintaining your well-being and managing side effects. Much of the information presented is translated into other languages. Other useful pamphlets from CCO:
HopeSpring
HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre provides assistance to individuals coping with the emotional strain that accompanies the cancer journey. Visit their website for more information or download this pamphlet [ADD]
Southwestern Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC)
SOAHAC’s purpose is to improve access to, and the quality of, health services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in the spirit of partnership, mutual respect and sharing. Learn more.
Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Resources
Indigenous Cancer Resources - First Nations
Indigenous Cancer Resources - Inuit
Indigenous Cancer Resources - Metis
Medication Support
For residents of Canada who are a First Nations person registered under the Indian Act, an Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization, or a child less than 18 months whose parent is one of those may be eligible for medication coverage - look for Non-Insured Health Benefits in the Medication & Income Support section of the Virtual Library.
Thank you for your visit. At anytime you wish to provide feedback, we encourage you to share them directly with your healthcare team as soon as possible. You may also speak with the social worker, spiritual care advisor, charge nurse, or management (see below).
If you shared a concern that you feel has not been addressed, connect with the Patient Experience Lead at patientrelations@cmh.org.
Sandra Bakewell, Manager Medical Day Clinic, Liver Health Clinic, Ambulatory Clinics - ext. 3064
April McCulloch, Director Medical Programs - ext. 2402
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The Medical Day Clinic is located in Wing D, level 1. Parking Lot #4 is closest to the Wing D entrance.
The clinic is located by #12 (yellow dot), which is next to the elevators. It is open Monday through Friday from 0900 - 1600h (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) It is not open on weekends or on statutory holidays.
Medical Day Clinic
Location: The first floor of the hospital in Wing D, near the Ambulatory Care entrance.
Phone: 519-740-4940
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0900 - 1600h (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Clinical Trials Contact
Phone: 519-621-2333 ext. 2594
Email: Amanda Taylor
Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 0730 - 1530h (7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
When calling after hours, weekends and holidays, please call the main hospital number.
Phone: 519-621-2330