Plan now for pancreatic cancer rise, says doctor HEALTHCARE services need to plan for a rise in pancreatic cancer, Peninsula Health’s Endoscopy boss Dr Leon Fisher has warned. His warning coincides with this week’s launch of the 2015 cancer appeal to buy the $500,000 cancer detecting machine. “An endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic bronchial ultrasound machine is a critical piece of equipment for diagnosing and treating a range of cancers,” Dr Fisher said. “Currently, local residents must travel outside our catchment zone to access diagnostic services for pancreatic cancer and are often put on long waiting lists. “We have CT scanners, MRI scanners, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy … everything is at Peninsula Health except the EUS/EBUS machine.” Research in the Medical Journal of Australia
reveals pancreatic cancer is on the rise. “The five-year survival rate is only five per cent, so early detection is vital,” Dr Fisher said. “With an EUS/EBUS machine available locally, diagnosis will be faster and more accurate. It would happen at Frankston Hospital within days of initial scans, resulting in faster treatment. “The alternative is invasive surgery, which carries serious risks, especially for frail patients.” Peninsula Health CEO Sue Williams is confident the appeal target will be reached. “We are very fortunate to have such an active and engaged community who genuinely care about their local healthcare services. Every dollar will make a difference and all donations over $2 are tax deductible.” To donation online visit peninsulahealth.org.au
Business as usual – RDNS CLIENT services formally provided by nurses at the former Royal District Nursing Service offices at Rosebud and Frankston are now being handled from Moorabbin. The service has given assurances that the change will not affect “service levels”. A revamp of RDNS operations across the state has also led to the loss of 45 full time nursing positions. The RDNS says there were no forced redundancies at Rosebud or Frankston offices, although seven management staff “chose to take redundancies rather than work within the new structure”. Australian Nursing and Midwives Federation Victorian branch secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said the union had “given our full support to RDNS
members who have been affected by the major staffing changes, including redundancies”. “While we cannot give specific redundancy numbers for Rosebud and Frankston, overall the RDNS in Victoria has lost about 23 full time senior nurse positions and 22 full time equivalent Grade 4 registered nurse positions.” Ms Fitzpatrick said the RDNS expected the Grade 3 district nurse specialised role to take on a broader focus as a care manager. “This will see about 24 full time Grade 3 registered nurses moved to the lower positions.” The future of the Rosebud wound clinic – which describes itself as “providing vital home nursing care for local communities since 1885” - is still under negotiation with Peninsula Health.
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