The Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service (CRCHS) covers the needs of patients from the Canterbury, Nelson/Marlborough, South Canterbury and West Coast Districts.
To contact the Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service or any of the Oncology Departments telephone 03 364 0020 then follow the prompts.
To contact the Haematology Department telephone 03 364 0384
If you require assistance out of hours, before 8.00am and after 5.00pm, or during weekends and public holidays - please phone, 03 364 0020. Your call will be redirected to Ward 26.
You can email Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service at oncoutpatients@cdhb.health.nz
For other medical problems not related to your cancer, please contact your general practitioner.
If you have any complaints or suggestions please do not hesitate to talk to your health care professional.
Alternatively you can register any feedback on the website feedback form.
The Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service at Christchurch Hospital is situated on the corner of Christchurch's beautiful Hagley Park.
The entrance to the Oncology Department is through the Main Entrance of Christchurch Hospital where there is a drop off/pick up area but no car parking.
There is a limited number of mobility parks at the main hospital entrance. There is also a limited number of public mobility parks around hospital, including outside the Boat Sheds in Cambridge Terrace.
Note: You will need to allow extra time to get to your appointment.
Transport/parking options for Oncology patients can be found on our hospital parking page. There are several bus routes that run directly past Christchurch Hospital. These can be found on the MetroInfo website and are also listed on the Christchurch Hospital page of this website.
The route to Oncology will be clearly marked with yellow lines on the floor and daffodil signs. There will also be volunteers to guide you and help with any questions.
We are working hard to make sure your visits to the hospital are as stress-free as possible. Please let us know of any concerns you have by emailing oncoutpatients@cdhb.health.nz or by phoning 03 364 0020.
We know that many of our patients live a long way from the hospital. The Cancer Society may be able to offer transport assistance from your home to the hospital, or accommodation for patients who need to stay in Christchurch for the duration of their treatment. Please discuss your needs when you come for your first appointment or contact the Cancer Society to find out how they can help 0800 CANCER (0800 226 237).
They can also be contacted using the Cancer Society website.
The Metro Bus Timetable gives an up to date source of information on buses that serve the hospital.
Information relating to your treatment at the Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service.
Most patients will have received a diagnosis of cancer before being seen by an oncologist or haematologist (doctors specialising in cancer). Generally the referral is made by another health professional who has undertaken the necessary tests and investigations to get a diagnosis of cancer. Commonly these referrals may be from surgeons or general medicine doctors of differing specialties.
Your general practitioner is the first person you should see if you have any concerns regarding your health. Your general practitioner can then liaise with the most appropriate general medicine or surgical specialist.
The Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service does not take direct referrals from the general public.
If you have been referred to the Oncology Department, find out more information on how to prepare for your appointment.
Once your referral to the Oncology Department has been received you will be sent a letter with an appointment to see one of the oncologists: a doctor who specialises in the treatment of cancer.
The Cancer Society's "Questions you may wish to ask" booklet may be helpful to you when trying to prepare for your appointment/s. You can phone 0800 CANCER (0800 226 237) and they can send you a copy.
When you come for this appointment please bring:
If you are unable to keep the appointment then please phone the department on 03 364 0020 to arrange another time.
Find out where we are located - See the Oncology Location Map
When you arrive in the department please let the receptionist know who you are and who your appointment is with. The reception staff will direct you to the appropriate waiting room. Please allow plenty of time to get here, and remember that parking at the hospital is limited.
You may be seen by the Oncologist or Registrar. You and your doctor will have a conversation about your diagnosis and your treatment options, which may include participating in a clinical trial.
All medical treatments have benefits and side effects and these will be explained to you so that you can understand what is involved in each treatment option allowing you to make an informed decision as to whether you wish to proceed with any of the treatments offered.
Although the doctor can recommend a course of treatment to you, the final choice is yours. You do not need to make a decision about treatment at this first appointment, you may have time to go away and consider your decision.
Sometimes further tests may be needed before a treatment option can be recommended. These tests and the need for them will be explained to you by your doctor.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions and it is sometimes helpful to write down any questions that you wish to ask and bring them with you. You are also welcome to bring family or a support person with you.
If you have been given enough information and have chosen a treatment plan, you may be asked to sign an "Agreement to Medical Treatment" form. The doctor also signs this form to indicate that they have provided you with all the information needed for you to make an informed decision about the treatment being offered. By signing the form you are agreeing to proceed with the treatment suggested, although you can change your mind at any time.
If at anytime you feel unsure or have any questions about your disease or treatment, please feel free to ask your health professional.
At this appointment the doctor or nurse will give you an information folder:
From November 2020 Oncology Ward B5 is located on the 5th floor of the B block of new Waipapa building at Christchurch Hospital, and is the acute Oncology Ward. You may be admitted to this ward for your treatment or if you become unwell. You may also be admitted to help with symptom control.
03 364 0640, ask for Ward 26
Being in hospital can be an anxious time for some patients so we encourage your friends and family to visit.
Please discuss any concerns about visiting with the Nurse in Charge. If visitors attend after 8.00 pm, they are screened by hospital security who will contact the ward to confirm the visit and issue a pass. Family/whanau of unwell patients are able to stay on the ward.
A stretcher bed can be placed alongside the patient's bed. Numbers staying overnight should be confirmed with the Nurse in Charge of the shift.
A patient leaflet is available for anyone who requires more detailed information on inpatient care
The Oncology Ward - Patient Information Booklet
Your family and friends may wish to know how you are during your stay. They can contact the ward on the number above, however we ask that these calls are kept to a minimum as the nurses need to leave the patients to attend to phone calls.
We recommend that a spokesperson rings the ward and then liaises with other family members or friends. Please be aware that patient confidentiality restricts the type and amount of information that can be given over the telephone.
There is a patient lounge with TV, radio, games, books, internet access and a hot drinks machine. A telephone is available in the hallway, donations for calls are gratefully received.
Some items you may want to bring are your regular medication, toiletries, slippers, nightwear and a dressing gown or robe. Don't worry if you forget something, the hospital can provide most items and there is an on-site shop that sells toiletries.
If you would like a visit from the Kaitiaki for oncology please ask your nurse who can contact them on your behalf.
Throughout your treatment and your hospital stay it is not unusual to feel concerned, anxious or upset — reactions differ from person to person. Some people find it helpful to share these fears and feelings with a sympathetic friend, Nurse, Chaplain or Social Worker. Don't be afraid to discuss your concerns with any of the staff members that you come into contact with or to ask for a referral to the chaplain or social workers.
Please remember that like the rest of the hospital and hospital grounds, smoking is not allowed in Ward B5. Nicotine patches can be prescribed for free.
Information and help to stop smoking is available in the ward, or you can visit Quitline.
Throughout your treatment you may meet many different health professionals and support staff. Some of these people are listed below along with how they can help and support you throughout your treatment.
Treatment related side effects can affect your ability to maintain your weight. The dietitian is here to help you manage your diet and appetite if it becomes problematic.
Social workers are available to provide a variety of supportive services to you and your family. They can provide counselling to help you and your family cope with the diagnosis of cancer and with your treatment. They may also help arrange for financial support, emotional support and other services within the community. In addition, a social worker helps people navigate the health care system and find support to manage the day-to-day challenges of living with cancer. To find out more about being referred to a social worker talk with a member of your health care team.
Please ask the receptionists or other members of your treatment team if you would like to speak to the hospital's chaplain.
Hauora Māori – Māori Health Services , Christchurch Hospital and Christchurch Women's Hospital will provide awhi/support to turoro/patient and whanau/family while they are using the hospitals.
Our role is to assist tūroro through the hospital system and make the journey as smooth as possible. We can be present, with your permission, at appointments and consultations to listen for you. We can contact whanau for you at your request. We have community services information that may be of use when you are discharged from hospital. We may be able to assist with low cost accommodation (if available) for those who have travelled from out of the immediate Christchurch area.
Hauora Māori – Māori Health Services, Christchurch Hospital
Phone: 03 364 0640 Ext 86160
The Cancer Society support people with cancer, their family/whanau and friends. A range of services are provided by the regional divisions and centres and are a great source of information on all matters related to cancer.
Do not forget the Laurel Whitford Cancer Society Information Centre located on the Ground Floor of the Oncology Department.
Telephone support is available from the Cancer Information Helpline 0800 CANCER (0800 226 237). They can also be contacted at www.cancernz.org.nz
Through the Cancer Society you can talk with trained nurses, counsellors, psychologists or a person who has had a similar experience to you. There are a range of support groups, programmes, workshops, seminars and online forums available.
During treatment practical assistance is available such as help with transport, accommodation during treatment and limited financial assistance.
Some cancers and cancer treatment can affect your ability to communicate with people and to swallow. The speech language therapists are there to help patients facing these difficulties. The services they offer include communication rehabilitation, swallowing difficulties, laryngectomy rehabilitation and tracheostomy care.
On some occasions a person who has cancer may experience changes in ability to be fully functional with mobility and general day to day activities for a number of reasons. Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists can help with expert advice and exercise to help you regain your mobility, or assist with specialist aids to help you manage
The Christchurch Oncology Research Unit (CORU) functions within the Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service and consists of Radiation Oncologists, Medical Oncologists, a Palliative Care Physician, a Clinical Research Co-ordinator, Clinical Trial Nurses and an administration team member. The team is led by a Oncologist within the service and the Clinical Research Co-ordinator.
Clinical trials staff have a wide range of expertise and experience, including data management, drug administration, patient education and quality assurance.
CORU has been an integral part of the service since 1987. Over this period, the unit has expanded its staffing and the range of clinical trials undertaken. Clinical trials now extend across all the common malignancies and have maintained a steady recruitment of patients.
CORU's primary objective is to improve standards of care by participating in high quality clinical trials and providing access to innovative treatments. The aim of the unit is to improve the understanding of the development of cancer, its clinical behaviours and to allow advances in treatment.
During your consultation with the doctor they may tell you that one of your treatment options is to participate in a clinical trial. If this happens one of the CORU nurses will discuss the trial with you in depth. You will be given written information on the trial which you can take away and read before deciding whether to take part.
Refusal to participate in any trial will not affect your care in any way.
Clinical Research Co-ordinator, Oncology Department, Christchurch Hospital
Ph: 03 364 0368
Email: oncresearch@cdhb.health.nz
The Cancer Society have a helpful booklet about Cancer Clinical Trials
Information relating to your treatment at the Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service. We acknowledge that many people may wish to do more research on either their condition or the treatment that is on offer.
The internet is a wonderful way for people to easily find valuable information but it can also be misleading as information is not always accurate or reliable.
In order to ensure that the information you read is helpful and accurate we suggest looking at the following sources:
The suggested websites are not maintained by the Canterbury District Health Board and whilst we believe that they offer credible and responsible information we can not guarantee that the information on each site is correct, up-to-date or evidence-based medical information. Please discuss any questions with your cancer care health professional.
And don't forget! The Laurel Whitford Cancer Society Information Centre located on the Ground Floor of the Oncology Department.
If you wish to make a donation to any of the below funds please discuss with this with Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service staff. The staff member will arrange for you to receive a receipt. This receipt can then be used to make a tax credit claim (as long as the donation is $5 or more). You will need to submit a copy of the receipt you received from Oncology when you made the donation.
Ward 26 has a patient comfort fund which enables us to purchase items to make our patient's stay more comfortable. Our aim is to create a welcoming and more homely environment. Televisions, portable phones and DVD players and milkshake blenders are examples of what we have bought.
Both Ward 26 and the Chemotherapy Day Ward have funds to provide additional education opportunities for the nurses working in these two areas. This allows them to attend study days and conferences to keep abreast of changes in cancer and supports the purchase of resource materials when needed.
The Oncology Trust Fund accepts donations which can be a general donation to trust funds or can be for a specific use. Please discuss with a member of staff what you would like your donation used for. Your donations may be used for research, staff training, patient comfort or to improve facilities.
Please view more information on the Haematology Trust Fund
Page last updated: 24 March 2021
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