Welcome to the oncology pharmacy at the Children's Cancer Centre (CCC).

Our team

At the Children's Cancer Centre (CCC), our dedicated oncology pharmacy team plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and effective treatment of paediatric cancer patients. Our team is composed of highly skilled oncology pharmacists and pharmacy technicians,each bringing specialised expertise to our comprehensive care approach.

Inpatients lead

Responsible for overseeing the pharmaceutical care of all inpatient children receiving treatment for cancer and those undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplants. Coordinates the inpatient pharmacy team to ensure the safe preparation, supply, and monitoring of chemotherapy and other medications administered on the CCC inpatient wards.

Outpatients lead

Leads the team of staff providing oncology pharmacy services to the Day Cancer Centre. Coordinates with the multidisciplinary team to ensure seamless and safe medication therapy for children receiving outpatient treatment at the hospital without requiring admission.

Oncology clinical trials

Focuses on the development and management of clinical trials within the CCC. Ensures that investigational medications are prepared and administered safely and that all trial protocols are followed accurately.

Our rotational oncology pharmacists

Our rotational oncology pharmacists support various aspects of pharmaceutical care within the CCC. They play a vital role in ensuring that all medications, including chemotherapy and immunosuppressive treatments are safe for each patient. Their expanded roles include:

• Medication counselling: Offer personalised counselling to patients and families on how to take medications correctly, potential side effects, and managing any interactions with other drugs or treatments.

• Medication admission services: Conduct comprehensive medication reviews and reconciliations upon patient admission to ensure accurate and safe medication regimens.

• Discharge services: Provide detailed discharge counselling and prepare discharge medications to ensure continuity of care and proper medication adherence after leaving the hospital.

• Expert medicine information service: Act as a resource for providing expert information on oncology medications to healthcare professionals, patients, and families.

• Specialist in oncology medication interactions: Monitor and manage potential interactions between oncology medications and other treatments, ensuring optimal safety and efficacy.

Your pharmacy technicians

Our dedicated pharmacy technicians are essential members of the oncology pharmacy team. They work closely with our pharmacists to support the safe and efficient preparation and distribution of medications.

• Medication preparation: Pharmacy technicians assist in the preparation of chemotherapy and other critical medications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with safety standards.

• Quality control: They perform crucial checks to maintain the highest quality and safety of all medications before they reach our patients.

• Hospital medication supply: Our pharmacy technicians manage the inventory of medications, ensuring that the CCC, the pharmacy and the hospital has the medications needed to support the patients.

• Support services: They provide essential support in the day-to-day operations of the oncology pharmacy, including a dispensing service, contributing to the smooth and efficient running of our services.

Our services

Safe supply of chemotherapy and immunosuppressive treatments

• Medication preparation: Our pharmacists and technicians meticulously prepare chemotherapy and other critical medications in a controlled environment to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

• Quality assurance: Rigorous checks and protocols are in place to guarantee that all medications meet stringent safety guidelines before reaching our young patients.

Medicine education

• For children, parents, and guardians: We provide detailed and understandable information about medications, including how they work, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence to treatment plans. Our goal is to empower patients and families with the knowledge they need to manage their treatments confidently.

• For healthcare professionals: We offer ongoing education and training for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest in paediatric oncology medication protocols.

Multidisciplinary collaboration

• Integrated care: We work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive and coordinated care tailored to each child's needs.

• Medicine safety and appropriate use: Our team provides expertise in medication safety, ensuring that all cancer treatments are used appropriately and effectively.

Research and clinical trials

• Advancing paediatric oncology: Our involvement in clinical trials and research initiatives allows us to contribute to the advancement of paediatric oncology care. We work on developing new treatments and improving existing therapies to offer better outcomes for our patients.

• Innovative practices: By participating in cutting-edge research, we ensure that our patients have access to the latest and most effective treatment options available.

• Academic pursuits: Our pharmacists are actively engaged in academic research, undertaking Masters and PhD work in the field of paediatric oncology, Haemopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) and supportive care. These efforts aim to enhance the quality of care and develop innovative solutions for managing and treating childhood cancers.

Commitment to excellence

Our oncology pharmacy team is committed to advancing the standards of paediatric cancer care through continuous education, innovative practices, and participation in clinical research. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment for our patients and their families, ensuring that each child receives the best possible care.

Contact us

For more information about our services or to speak with a member of our Oncology Pharmacy team, please contact us at:

• Phone: 9345 6290
• Email: Oncology.Pharmacy@rch.org.au
• Address: Oncology pharmacy, Level 2, Day Cancer Centre, West Building. 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, 3052