Telephone Directory Tom Baker Cancer Centre Main Numbers Holy Cross Site Main Numbers Departments Supportive Services

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2 Telephone Directory Tom Baker Cancer Centre Main Numbers Main Number Switchboard (403) New Patient Referrals and Follow-up Appointments (403) Toll Free After Hours Foothills Hospital Emergency (403) Holy Cross Site Main Numbers Ambulatory Oncology Clinics (403) Dr. Betty Flagler Colposcopy Clinic (403) Psychosocial Resources (403) Breast Cancer Screening (403) Departments Alberta Cancer Foundation (403) Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinic (403) Clinical Research Unit (403) Library (Knowledge Centre) (403) Medical Day Care (Chemotherapy) Appointments for Chemotherapy (403) Telephone Advice Service (403) Toll Free for Out of Town Patients Outpatient Unit (403) Pharmacy (403) Radiation Therapy (403) Alberta Radiosurgery Centre (403) Supportive Services Interpretation Services (403) Community Resources (403) Dietitians (403) Fatigue Management Nurses (403) Lymphedema Management (403) Pain and Palliative Care Nurse (403) Patient Education Specialist (403) Patient Representative (403) Psychosocial Resources Counseling and Support (403) Social Workers (Resource Counselors) (403) Spiritual/Pastoral Care Coordinator (403) Volunteer Drivers

3 Table of Contents Introductory Pages: Telephone Directory Inside Front Cover Floor Plan Tom Baker Cancer Centre Main Floor Floor Plan Tom Baker Cancer Centre Ground Floor Floor Plan Tom Baker Cancer Centre Basement Floor Cancer Care Information: Tom Baker Cancer Centre 1 Parking at Tom Baker Cancer Centre 1 Other Transportation Options 2 Cancer Care at the Holy Cross Site 2 Parking at the Holy Cross Site 3 The Alberta Cancer Board 3 Main Floor Tom Baker Cancer Centre What You Will Find 4 Ground Floor Tom Baker Cancer Centre What You Will Find 6 Basement Floor Tom Baker Cancer Centre What You Will Find 8 Holy Cross Site What You Will Find 10 Process of Care What You Can Expect 12 Orientation for New Patients 12 Consultation 12 Treatment Preparation 13 Treatments 13 Continuing Care 15 Covering the Costs of Cancer Care 15 Supportive Services for Patients and Family Members 17 Help Us to Help You Patient Responsibilities 20 Your Rights What You Can Expect from Us 21 A Few Reliable Cancer Websites 22 Final Pages: Notice of Privacy Map of Provincial Cancer Centres Holy Cross Site Parking Map Inside Back Cover Tom Baker Cancer Centre Parking Map Outside Back Cover

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7 Tom Baker Cancer Centre Main Contact Information: (403) Main Number Switchboard (403) New Patient Referrals and Follow-up Appointments Toll Free (403) After Hours Foothills Hospital Emergency th Street NW For specific Calgary information, select Tom Baker Cancer Centre from the Cancer Centres drop down menu Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary is one of Alberta s two major cancer centres, along with the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. We provide advanced medical and supportive cancer care for people who live in southern Alberta, and for some residents of Saskatchewan and British Columbia. We are also focused on providing patient and professional education, and on performing extensive research in the quest for even more effective treatments options. Tom Baker Cancer Centre is located at the Foothills Medical Centre site in northwest Calgary and works in collaboration with the city hospitals, the University of Calgary and other related medical institutions. The Cancer Centre consists of three floors of outpatient care and is attached to the Foothills Hospital where some patients stay as inpatients, when necessary. Parking at Tom Baker Cancer Centre (see parking map) There are several parking lots for patients and families at the Foothills Medical Centre. Parking space is always available, but when the main lot near the cancer centre fills up, it may be necessary to park in a lot farther away. It does cost to park at all lots. The charges are $2.50 an hour to a maximum of $10 a day. Parking passes are available and may reduce the cost for patients making frequent visits. Weekly Parking Pass $35 Monthly Parking Pass for ages 65 and over $60 Monthly Parking Pass for those under age 65 $95 1

8 Handicapped parking spaces are located in the main parking lot, right in front of the Cancer Centre. Valet Parking is available near the main entrance to the Cancer Centre. The cost is regular parking fees, plus an extra $5. Two hour free parking is available on Toronto Crescent, not far from the Cancer Centre (see parking map). Be careful not to overstay the two hours, or you will most likely receive a ticket. Other Transportation Options Calgary Transit Call (403) for transit information You can also take a bus to the Cancer Centre. Calgary Transit routes 20, 40, 91 and 419 will all bring you right to the Foothills Medical Centre. Volunteer Drivers Call The Canadian Cancer Society provides volunteer drivers at no cost to those patients who have difficulty finding other ways to get to the Cancer Centre. Patients do need to sign up for the program and book their trips at least two days in advance. Access Calgary Call (403) Offers special needs taxis and handibus service for those with mobility challenges. Cancer Care at the Holy Cross Site Since the space at Tom Baker Cancer Centre is not large enough to accommodate all patient and staff needs, the services have been extended to two buildings at the Holy Cross site, just south of downtown Calgary. The services at the Holy Cross site are not a separate institution, but an extension of services. Many staff members spend time working at both the main Tom Baker site and the Holy Cross site. Psychosocial Resources o (403) Breast Cancer Screening o (403) o Both services at nd Street SW 2

9 o This building was used as the main cancer centre in Calgary until It has now been renovated to accommodate the Psychosocial Department in the main patient area, as well as perform breast cancer screening in another area. Ambulatory Oncology Clinics o (403) Dr. Betty Flagler Colposcopy Clinic o (403) o Both clinics at 101, nd Street SW o This building was once the main facility for the Holy Cross Hospital which was closed several years ago. A large area on the Ground Floor has been renovated into a very modern clinic area where breast cancer, lung cancer and colposcopy patients come for their consultations. Several other cancer centre departments such as Human Resources and Cancer Prevention are located on other floors of this building. Parking at the Holy Cross Site (see parking map) For patients going to the Psychosocial Resources and Cancer Screening building, there is a small free parking lot on the north side of the building, just off Holy Cross Lane. For patients going to the Ambulatory Oncology Clinics, there is a large parking lot that extends from the front to the south side of the facility. It is probably easiest to use the parking area near the south entrance and enter the building through this south entrance, since it is near the clinic area. Parking fees are $1.50 per half hour to a maximum of $15 per day. On the streets in this area, you can find two hour free parking in some locations and metered parking in other locations. The Alberta Cancer Board The Alberta Cancer Board is the core organization that operates Alberta s two main cancer centres as well as 15 associate and community cancer 3

10 centres across the province. Its main office is located in Edmonton. Alberta Cancer Board programs include prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, education, research, and supportive services such as psychosocial care, spiritual care, pain management and palliative care. The Alberta Cancer Board is currently in the process of joining together with all other provincial healthcare providers under the new Alberta Health Services Board. The Alberta Cancer Board has committed to achieving the following measurable milestones toward a Cancer Free Future by the year 2025: Reduce the incidence of new cancers by 35% Reduce death rates due to cancer by 50% Eliminate suffering in every way possible for Albertans living with cancer Main Floor Tom Baker Cancer Centre What You Will Find (see illustrated floor plan) Main Reception (403) Welcomes and directs patients Registers new patients and makes red ID cards Here patients can use the computer touch-screen kiosks to indicate their responses on the Personal Well-being Checklist This area includes the Department of Patient Information that collects and keeps track of medical records and sets up consultation appointments for new patients and follow-up appointments Knowledge Centre (Library) (403) Specializes in books and journals on cancer care, treatments, research and supportive care The front area of the Knowledge Centre is specifically for patients and family members. You can check out materials and take them home. Staff can help you search and find specific cancer information in books, journals, and from electronic sources such as the internet The Knowledge Centre is managed by the University of Calgary 4

11 Auditorium Large, theatre-style auditorium where patients attend New Patient Orientation and several other educational presentations and discussions Alberta Cancer Foundation (403) The Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Alberta Cancer Board Welcomes donations that are directed into patient support programs, cancer prevention, education and research here in Alberta Coordinates major fundraising events such as the Weekend to End Breast Cancer and the Underwear Affair The funds are directed into patient care as well as cancer prevention, education, and research to benefit all Albertans Volunteer Services (403) Central meeting and coordination area for hundreds of volunteers who serve patients at Tom Baker Cancer Centre and the Foothills Medical Centre Volunteers generously give their time and energy to help patients find their way, to serve them refreshments, to prepare patient information packages, to operate the Gift Shops, as well as hundreds of other necessary tasks Patient Representative (403) Represents patient interests and special needs to help ensure the best care is being provided Welcomes patients to discuss questions, concerns, complaints, and suggestions regarding their care, and then works with them to improve challenging situations and help the care process Spiritual/Pastoral Care Coordinator (403) Coordinates spiritual care support and programs for patients and family members Consults with patients to help clarify and meet their spiritual needs 5

12 Welcomes opportunities to talk with patients and support them in whatever belief system they prefer Performs various types of spiritual services and ceremonies, when requested Department of Oncology Private work offices of the many Oncologists (Cancer Specialists) who consult with patients and treat them Most consultations take place in the clinical areas, not in these private offices Pathology Scientific department that conducts pathology analysis and creates reports of people with cancer Pathology focuses on analyzing tissue from biopsies to determine if cancer cells are present and to identify their characteristics The pathology reports help the oncologists decide on the best ways to treat each person with cancer Ground Floor Tom Baker Cancer Centre What You Will Find (see illustrated floor plan) Outpatient Unit (403) Main consultation area at Tom Baker Cancer Centre where patients meet with their cancer doctors and nurses Treatments do not take place in this area, but doctors consult with patients to determine their treatment needs. If treatments are needed, the doctors then provide treatment options and recommendations. Laboratory Convenient place to go for your blood and specimen tests, right beside the Outpatient Unit X-Ray, CT Scan and Ultrasound Tests Next to the beige-coloured elevators 6

13 You may be directed here for some of your imaging tests MRI imaging is done one floor down, on the Basement Floor Psychosocial Resources Resource Counselors (403) Social workers, called Resource Counselors, help patients with their financial and other basic needs The best way to meet these Resource Counselors and get help is to show up at Room CCB 20 on the Basement Floor any Wednesday at 9:30 AM The main Psychosocial Department is located at the Holy Cross site Pharmacy (403) This pharmacy is for your main treatment drugs, most of which are covered by your provincial health care insurance. You will need to go to a regular pharmacy to fill your other prescriptions. Specializes in cancer treatment drugs in pill and liquid form Distributes treatment pills to patients and also prepares the treatment fluids for IV chemotherapy Prepares and distributes information sheets on each type of drug to help patients understand important facts about the drugs and know what side effects are possible Medical Day Care Unit (Chemotherapy) (403) Appointments and Scheduling for Chemotherapy (403) Telephone Advice Service (8 AM to 4:30 PM) Toll Free for Out of Town Patients Provides IV chemotherapy treatment for patients Provides extensive support for chemotherapy patients to help them manage side effects resulting from the treatments Also includes several consultation rooms where patients meet with their care providers Provides supplies, drugs, instruction and support for selected patients who take a special chemotherapy pump home where they receive their treatment continuously over a few days 7

14 Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinic (403) Provides comprehensive pre and post transplant care for patients undergoing blood and marrow transplants The actual transplants take place on Unit 57 of the Foothills Hospital, located on the 5 th floor, above Tom Baker Cancer Centre Basement Floor Tom Baker Cancer Centre What You Will Find (see illustrated floor plan) Radiation Therapy Reception (403) Stop and check in here for your first radiation therapy appointment You will then be directed to the designated area for your care This reception can also answer your questions about the radiation treatment areas and help you find your way Simulator Procedure Area Here patients receive advanced imaging tests in preparation for radiation therapy Radiation Therapists then use this detailed information to plan and provide radiation treatments Much of the preparation for treatments is then done in the Treatment Planning area by Radiation Therapists using sophisticated computer programs Cast and Mould Area In this area, Radiation Therapists make customized casts and moulds to help position some radiation therapy patients for treatments These casts and moulds are necessary mainly for patients having treatments in their head or neck area Radiation Therapy Treatment Units (403) treatment units provide patients with precise radiation treatments 8

15 These units are equipped with radiation treatment machines (linear accelerators) and staffed by highly trained Radiation Therapists Around 300 patients a day can be treated here with radiation therapy Alberta Radiosurgery Centre (403) First place in Canada to offer dedicated stereotactic treatments for brain tumours and other body areas requiring extreme precision In stereotactic radiotherapy, very precise beams of ionizing radiation are directed to specific point to deliver the radiation treatment Can be especially effective for cancer that has spread to the brain from another part of the body Patient Day Room This room is a place supportive procedures and care after radiation therapy treatments Radiation Therapy Nurses take care of patient needs in this room Most radiation therapy patients do not need to use this room, but it is available for anyone who needs special attention Medical Physics Physicists in this area work very closely with the radiation doctors and therapists to set up and maintain the radiation treatment machines and other related equipment The physicists also work in the midst of certain specialized procedures to set up and monitor scientific calculations that are necessary for the procedure to be safe and effective The physicists are continually testing and researching scientific methods to improve the effectiveness of radiation treatments Operating Room This operating room is used only for selected day surgical procedures to treat certain types of cancer Clinical Research Unit (403) (includes a list of all current clinical trials) 9

16 The clinical research program is a team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists and scientists who direct and coordinate nearly 300 clinical trials now underway at Tom Baker Cancer Centre They provide patients with information about clinical trials and then work closely with those who choose to participate The team directs the analysis of the data from clinical trials in a continual quest for more effective cancer treatments Holy Cross Site What You Will Find Psychosocial Resources (403) or calgarypsychosocial@cancerboard.ab.ca nd Street SW In this supportive department, you will find help to deal with the emotional, psychological and social stresses of dealing with cancer Here you will find: o Counseling for patients, couples and families o Resource counseling to help you with your finances and other basic needs (this service is also offered at the main Tom Baker Cancer Centre site) o Support groups and helpful programs in such areas as meditation, stress management, yoga, and healing and the creative arts The professional staff of the psychosocial department are trained professionals in social work, psychology and psychiatry There is no charge for counseling and most programs offered by the Psychosocial Resources department In addition to their clinical work, psychosocial staff are actively engaged in research and educational activities that promote the development of new knowledge. They then use this new information to develop new practices and programs to benefit patients. Clinical care is therefore guided by the best evidence. 10

17 Breast Cancer Screening (403) nd Street SW Offers mammography screening to help detect breast cancer as early as possible Women over 50 years of age can call and book their own appointments Women under 50 years of age need a doctor s referral for their first screening test Ambulatory Oncology Clinics (403) , nd Street SW This large clinic area has been established to take care of the initial consultation and follow-up appointments of most patients with breast cancer and lung cancer, as well as colposcopy patients These clinics are primarily an extension of the Outpatient Unit at Tom Baker Cancer Centre and are needed to provide quality space for these important consultations Certain educational classes are held in the meeting rooms at this site Dr. Betty Flagler Colposcopy Clinic (within the Ambulatory Oncology Clinics) (403) , nd Street SW A colposcopy is a specialized method of examining the vagina and the cervix, using a colposcope, a high powered microscope A colposcopy is used to examine women who have had an abnormal pap test to determine if there are any tissue changes that could lead to the development of cancer if left untreated 11

18 Process of Cancer Care What You Can Expect (1) Orientation for New Patients o The Orientation is the 1st appointment for most patients at Tom Baker Cancer Centre very important since it prepares patients and families for their consultation and the whole process of care o Offers a detailed understanding of the care process, cancer treatments, supportive services, practical information, and how to cope with cancer o Held every Tuesday at 9:30 AM and every Thursday at 2:00 PM in the Tom Baker Cancer Centre Auditorium on the Main Floor. The sessions last for two hours. No sessions on national or provincial holidays. o Most patients are scheduled into this session, but are encouraged to drop in at any time if they have somehow missed it. Family members are also encouraged to attend. o The goal of these Orientation sessions is to empower patients with knowledge and to reduce their stress (2) Consultation o The consultation is the 2 nd appointment for patients. o Most consultations take place at Tom Baker Cancer Centre in the Outpatient Unit. However, most breast cancer, lung cancer, and colposcopy patients go to the Ambulatory Oncology Clinics at the Holy Cross site for their consultation. o When patients arrive for their consultation at either site, they will be directed to a kiosk with a touch-screen computer. They will then have the opportunity to complete the Personal Well-being Checklist. On this Checklist, patients identify concerns that they are currently experiencing or expect to have in the future. The Checklist addresses concerns such as distress, pain, fatigue, nutrition, transportation and finances. After patients complete the Checklist, they receive information on supportive services that are available to help them. 12

19 o At the medical consultation, patients meet with their cancer doctors Oncologists (cancer specialists) or Hematologists (blood specialists) for the first time o Cancer doctors review the patients medical records and examine the patients to assess the details of their cancer o If treatment is recommended, the doctors offer patients the best available treatments options, which are based on scientific evidence and the protocols established by the care teams o Patients are then asked to make a decision about the treatments options presented. They are encouraged to ask questions to make sure they understand the choices clearly. (3) Treatment Preparation o The designated treatment departments are notified of the patients treatment decisions, and they prepare to offer the selected treatments o Patients may have more tests, and possibly diagnostic imaging, at this point to gain more information that will help the medical team to direct the treatments o Preparation classes are offered for both radiation therapy patients and chemotherapy patients to let them know what to expect, how to prepare, and how to cope well through the treatments. (4) Treatments o Most treatments will take place at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre location o The main treatments offered: Radiation Therapy high energy x-rays are directed at the cancer site to attack cancer cells only affects the treated area, not the whole body takes place in the 10 treatment units of the Radiation Therapy Department on the Basement Floor and are administered by Radiation Therapists internal radiation therapy called brachytherapy is also an option for some patients with prostate, cervical and uterine cancers Chemotherapy drugs designed to attack cancer cells are given by pill, injection, or IV, depending on 13

20 the type of drug needed IV treatments take place in Medical Day Care Unit on the Ground Floor and are administered by highly trained nurses pills are picked up at the Pharmacy Reception on the Ground Floor Immunotherapy (biological therapy) drugs are used to boost the immunity system to help fight cancer used primarily for early stage bladder cancer, for selected cases of breast cancer and sometimes for melanoma skin cancer Hormone Therapy generally involves taking pills or having injections to limit the amount of hormones affecting the cancer site used primarily for breast cancer and prostate cancer patients Blood and Marrow Transplants intensive treatments offered to some patients with leukemia and lymphoma generally require a 3 week hospital stay on Unit 57 with preparation and follow up in the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinic on the Ground Floor Surgery plays an important role in fighting many types of cancer by removing as much cancer as possible, and is often a first step in treatment some day surgeries are performed at Tom Baker Cancer Centre, but major surgeries are performed in the operating rooms of hospitals the cancer centre is involved in influencing and monitoring the cancer surgeries that take place in the hospitals o Most treatments have side effects, but these can usually be managed well. The care teams work with patients to monitor and manage their side effects. o More tests, imaging and consultations take place at certain times during the treatments to monitor their effectiveness treatments may be modified, or new treatments may be added, depending on the needs of the patients. Many patients have a combined therapy of more than one type of treatment. o For many patients, the goal of treatments is a cancer cure 14

21 o If a cure is not expected, the treatments may be provided to help contain the cancer as much as possible and/or to control cancer symptoms (5) Continuing Care o Ideally, the treatments are effective, and patients can stop having treatments o For a period of time after the treatments are over, patients return to Tom Baker Cancer Centre and the Foothills Hospital for follow up with more tests, imaging and discussions with their care teams o If the cancer does not recur, then patients are often released from the care of the Cancer Centre into the care and monitoring of their family doctors o If the cancer does recur, then the cancer specialists determine the best additional treatments to offer, and the patients make decisions about the treatment options offered. Even if cancer recurs, effective control may still be possible with further treatments. o Even when the cancer does not recur, some patients continue to have treatments, such as hormone treatments, for several years to help keep the cancer from recurring o For some patients, cancer becomes a chronic illness where it is controlled through ongoing treatments, but it never fully goes away many of these patients are able to live actively and fully o In cases where no cure is expected and the cancer is most likely to progress, patients are considered palliative and receive special attention to help them live the longest and best quality life possible under the circumstances a Palliative Care Nurse leads out in offering many sources of support for patients and family members Covering the Costs of Cancer Care If you are an Alberta resident, Alberta Health Care covers the cost of your examinations and most treatments at Tom Baker Cancer Centre and the 15

22 Foothills Hospital. There is no extra charge for radiation therapy or most drugs used for chemotherapy, immunotherapy or hormone therapy. However, in some cases a doctor may suggest the use of a drug that is not covered by Alberta Health Care at this time. If this is the case with you, and you agree to be treated with the suggested drug, we will work with you to try to find supportive funding, but most of these extra costs would still be your responsibility. Most other provincial health care plans also cover your cancer treatments in Alberta for a period of time. If you are from another province and do not have Alberta Health Care, discuss this issue with staff at Main Reception. They will advise you on the best way to plan your coverage. Alberta Health Care does not cover prescription drugs for such needs as side effects and pain. You should expect that you will need to use some prescription drugs at least for side effects. We strongly advise you to get drug coverage by Alberta Blue Cross. Seniors Coverage o Must sign up when you turn 65 years of age o Offers $25,000 worth of coverage for prescription drugs and other types of care Non-Group Coverage o Only for those people younger than 65 years of age o Offers good individual coverage, rather than group coverage o Many work-related drug plans only have a low limit of coverage, so we highly recommend this plan o Offers $25,000 worth of coverage for prescription drugs and other types of care o Can get it even if you already have cancer o Not expensive to have o Takes 3 to 4 months to get after you apply, unless you are switching from another Blue Cross plan Contact Alberta Blue Cross o (403) Calgary and area o toll-free o 16

23 Supportive Services for Patients and Family Members Interpretation Services (403) Interpretation services are available to patients who do not communicate well in English In-person interpreters can be scheduled to come to consultation and follow-up appointments with patients These interpreters are specially trained in medical communication to clearly express the important information between the patients and care providers When an in-person interpreter is not available, an over-the-phone interpreter can be called to help with the communication To arrange an interpreter, patients may call (403) , or ask a staff member to help make the arrangement. Try to arrange this service several days before the medical appointments, if possible Colposcopy Nurse and Clinic (403) Nurse (403) Colposcopy Appointments A colposcopy is a specialized method of examining the vagina and the cervix, using a colposcope, a high powered microscope A colposcopy is used to examine women who have had an abnormal pap test to determine if there are any tissue changes that could lead to the development of cancer if left untreated Being scheduled for one of these tests does not mean that you have cancer Community Resource Assistant (403) Helps meet the needs of patients by providing them with information about businesses and organizations in the community where they can find specific types of support Has developed an electronic database (listing) and printed materials of community resources to help make it easy for patients to find solutions to their needs that the Cancer Centre does not address 17

24 Dietitians (Nutrition) (403) Offer patients information and support to help them find ways to eat well during their cancer care Help patients deal with eating challenges Teach regular classes for patients on nutrition Fatigue Nurses (403) Offer information and support for patients who are fatigued (tired) to help them find ways to get more energy and feel better Teach a regular class for patients on how to manage fatigue Lymphedema Management (403) Lymphedema is a swelling some women develop in their arms after breast cancer treatments, but this swelling can develop from various causes in several parts of the body Rehabilitation specialists now provide education, support and treatments in the Ambulatory Oncology Clinics at the Holy Cross Site Call to sign up for a class where you will learn about reducing your risk of developing lymphedema and of the many types of support available to those with lymphedema Pain and Palliative Care Nurse (403) Offers special supportive care for patients dealing with cancer pain and for palliative patients and their families Helps connect patients with the many sources of help available so they can live the longest and best quality of life possible Patient Education Specialist (403) Develops and coordinates educational support for patients and family members Strives to provide patients with the right information, at the right time, and in the right way so they are not confused and can make the best decisions 18

25 Presents an Orientation for New Patients every Tuesday at 9:30 AM and every Thursday at 2:00 PM in the Tom Baker Cancer Centre Auditorium Provides patients with educational support through printed materials, bulletin boards, classes, multi-media presentations, special education events, and by addressing individual patient requests Patient Representative (403) Represents patient interests and special needs to help ensure the best care is being provided Welcomes patients to discuss questions, concerns, complaints, and suggestions regarding their care, and then works with them to improve challenging situations and help the care process Resource Counselors (Social Workers) (403) Offer practical help to patients who have needs for finances, insurance, accommodation and transportation The best way to connect with these Resource Counselors is to attend one of the weekly classes they hold called How to Get Help for Your Financial and Other Basic Needs. These classes are held every Wednesday at 9:30 AM at Tom Baker Cancer Centre. Go to Room CCB 20 on the Basement Floor, right across from Radiation Therapy Reception. Just show up. Spiritual/Pastoral Care Coordinator (403) Coordinates spiritual care support and programs for patients and family members Consults with patients to help clarify and meet their spiritual needs Welcomes opportunities to talk with patients and support them in whatever belief system they prefer Performs various types of spiritual services and ceremonies, when requested 19

26 Help Us to Help You Patient Responsibilities Come to All of Your Appointments It is very important for your health and well being to show up for all of your scheduled appointments, education sessions and diagnostic tests. All appointments are designed to help you get the information and medical care that you need. If you cannot come to an appointment because of any reason, please call us as much in advance as possible to reschedule. But we don t encourage you to change appointments unless it is absolutely necessary. Rescheduling may result in long delays in your care. If You are Sick, Let Us Know Let us know before you come to the Cancer Centre if you have any of the following symptoms: (call your specific care providers or department, when possible) o Fever o Sore Throat o New Rash o Diarrhea o Cold Symptoms o New Cough o Runny Nose Cancer treatments can temporarily weaken the immunity systems of yourself and other patients making it easier to catch a sickness. If we are not informed about your sickness ahead of time, it may put your health, or the health or others, at much greater risk. We care about you and other patients, especially when you are sick. We want the best care for everyone, so please let us know. Please Don t Wear Scents Scents such as perfumes and colognes may have a very pleasant smell to some people, but many patients and staff members are allergic to these scents and can have a bad reaction Please don t put on scents on the days you are coming to the Cancer Centre. If you forget, then please do your best to wash it off before you come. We appreciate your understanding and help. 20

27 Be Active in Your Care You are the most important member of your care team, and we encourage you to actively participate in your care Pay close attention to the process of your care and your discussions with care providers. If some aspect of your care does not seem to be happening the way that you expect, then please discuss the concerns with your care providers. We want to ensure that you are receiving all of the attention and care that you need. Take advantage of the many opportunities at the Cancer Centre to learn from cancer experts and from printed materials. There are many presentations for patients each week where you can learn details on how to eat during treatments, how to manage your tiredness, what complementary therapies may help you, as well as several other topics. Knowledge is power. Take advantage of the many supportive services the Cancer Centre offers for you. You can get financial help, you can talk with a counselor about your emotions, your can get advice from a dietitian, you can get spiritual support, and you can access many services to help you cope well through your cancer journey. Respect the Privacy of Others Be sure to be very considerate in respecting the privacy of other patients and family members If another patient is talking with a staff member or someone else, allow them to have a private discussion, unless you are invited to participate. Keep a respectful distance from reception desks when other patients are talking with the staff at the desks. Don t share the identity of other patients with people outside of the cancer centre, unless they give their consent. Your Rights What You Can Expect From Us As a patient, you have a right to: Be treated with care, dignity and respect Expect that your medical records be kept confidential Review your health records 21

28 Have your diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis and other information explained in clear and understandable terms (with the help of a medical interpreter for another language, when requested) Know the benefits and risks of a procedure or treatment offered to you Decide whether you wish to be treated or not. If you refuse treatment, you will be informed of the likely medical consequences of your decision. Refuse to sign a consent form if you feel everything has not been clearly explained. You can cross out any part of a consent form that you do not want applied to your care. Change your mind about any treatment or procedure for which you have given your consent Agree or refuse to take part in medical training and research programs Change doctors or other care providers, when possible Voice complaints and concerns regarding the quality of the care and service you receive and know that this will not have a negative effect on your care. (If you have a complaint or concern, talk to the staff members involved or the Patient Representative at (403) ) A Few Reliable Cancer Websites The official website of the Alberta Cancer Board, the parent organization of Tom Baker Cancer Centre Offers information on cancer care in Alberta, virtual tours of the two main Cancer Centres, limited cancer information, and stories of cancer patients For specific Calgary information, choose Tom Baker Cancer Centre from the Cancer Centres drop down menu The extensive website of the Canadian Cancer Society Offers information on most types of cancer and treatments, as well as supportive information on dealing with cancer 22

29 Offers information on the many special services of the Canadian Cancer Society that patients may find helpful The award-winning site of the American Cancer Society Offers information on most types of cancer and treatments and includes helpful information on dealing with cancer The information is directed primarily to an American audience, but most is relevant to Canadians Excellent and up to date information from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the USA All medical information is based on current research and is approved by medical experts Information includes coping with cancer, clinical trials, new cancer drugs, and cautions about unreliable therapies OncoLink an excellent site from the University of Pennsylvania Is regularly reviewed by medical experts and has won awards for its high quality medial information Covers most topics of interest to cancer patients and families CancerNet for people living with cancer a very helpful site for patients and family members from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) It includes cancer and treatment information, discussion groups and coping strategies Please direct any suggestions for updating this booklet to Loring Gimbel, Patient Education Specialist, at (403) or loring.gimbel@cancerboard.ab.ca. 23

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