Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Cancer Patients - Northern Tasmania
This page contains important information for patients, carers and visitors to the Northern Cancer Service relating to COVID-19.
The Northern Cancer Service is working closely with the Tasmanian Department of Health and Tasmanian Health Service to protect our patients and their families & carers, visitors and health care workers from COVID-19.
The W.P. Holman Clinic, Launceston, the North West Cancer Centre, Burnie and the Mersey Oncology - Medical Day Procedure Unit, Latrobe are fully functional with the appropriate safeguards and precautions in place, including screening at our main entrances (more information below).
The clinical teams at the Northern Cancer Service, are currently working to reduce the number of vulnerable patients who come into the hospital complex every day. You may receive notification of appointment changes over the coming weeks or a request to change it to a telehealth appointment.
If you have specific questions relating to cancer and COVID-19, or about your treatment, please see the drop-down box below for numbers you can call.
The Northern Cancer Service is performing screening checks on all patients, staff, couriers and contractors requiring entry to our service. This added measure is to further protect our patients and staff.
We thank everyone for their patience and cooperation as we implement these new screening measures.
Patients must enter the W.P. Holman Clinic, Launceston, via the main garden entrance. The entrance to and from the main LGH corridor on level 1 will not be in use until further notice.
If you have any questions regarding screening or entry please call us on 1300 677 674.
The Northern Cancer Service has introduced changes for visitors. Entry to the Northern Cancer Service for visitors and family members will be restricted until further notice. This is in line with current hospital protocols.
We know that these restrictions can be challenging, and we understand each family’s situation is different. For exceptional circumstances we encourage families to speak to their family member's treating team for further advice.
If you would like more information please visit the Tasmanian Government Coronavirus website https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/
As this is a rapidly changing situation, please visit the Tasmanian Government Coronavirus website for the latest updates, including advice on symptoms and precautions at https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/
You can also call the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738
Patients on active treatment at the Northern Cancer Service:
If you're a patient on active treatment, or caring for someone who is, and you are experiencing symptoms or concerns, please call us on 1300 667 674 or follow the instructions on your Emergency Treatment Letter.
You can also contact a Cancer Care Coordinator via 1300 667 674. We will be working as a team to respond to enquiries. This change to current practice has been made to help us respond to the higher number of calls we’re receiving due to COVID-19.
If you are a patient who is not currently on active treatment, and you have concerns about COVID-19 call:
Cancer Council Australia's Information and Support nurses on 13 11 20.
This service can provide you with tailored, practical information and emotional support. However, this service is unable to provide individual medical advice.
You can also call the 24-hour Tasmanian Public Health Hotline 1800 671 738
For the latest government information please visit the Tasmanian Government Coronavirus (COVID-19) website at https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/
There are a range of online supports and resources available for patients and their families:
The Cancer Council Australia have information and consumer resources about living with cancer during the COVID19 pandemic, visit https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-and-covid-19/
Cancer Australia have a range of resources for consumers and health care workers about cancer and COVID-19, visit https://canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/information-about-cancer-and-covid-19/people-affected-cancer
Call us 1300 667 674