RESIDENT MEDICAL OFFICERS' UNIT

Oncology

The Oncology Service, Christchurch Hospital, incorporates the departments of Radiation and Medical Oncology. It is a busy unit and we offer a full range of outpatient and inpatient services for the non-surgical management of cancer. There is close liaison with the Department of Haematology and autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation are available, where appropriate. The department has a high profile in Christchurch Hospital and also provides teaching for 4th year and 6th year medical students, graduate nurses and postgraduate doctors. An extensive clinical research programme is integral to the work and there are 6 clinical research coordinators. We also have active involvement in some basic research programmes in the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The Service embodies a multidisciplinary team approach with close liaisons with diagnostic and support services and medical and surgical colleagues. There are thirteen consultant oncologists, a palliative care physician and six oncology registrar training positions. There are also 2 house officers on the service. We anticipate that there will be at least one advanced training position in Medical Oncology and two training positions in Radiation Oncology to be filled in December 2009. Applications for part-time positions are welcomed.

Visiting outpatient consultation services are provided to Timaru Hospital, Grey Hospital and Nelson Hospital.

Regular weekly teaching sessions are held with input from radiation therapists, medical physicists, nurses, social workers, registrars and consultants. There are regular site specific Tumour Board multidisciplinary review sessions, a weekly audit of new patient management and a weekly in-house teaching programme.

There is a 25 inpatient bed ward at Christchurch Hospital designated for oncology patients (Ward 27) in addition to the Oncology outpatient chemotherapy treatment and review area.

RMOs find the Oncology Service demanding but stimulating. The Oncology Service prides itself on a team approach which values the contribution of all members.

Further more information please contact

Assoc Prof Bridget Robinson, Clinical Director Medical Oncology, telephone (64 3) 3640 020
email: bridget.robinson@cdhb.govt.nz

Dr Iain Ward, Clinical Director Radiation Oncology, telephone (64 3) 3640 020
email: iain.ward@cdhb.govt.nz