Medical Psychology
Westmead Centre for Gynaecological Oncology
The Westmead Centre for Gynaecological Cancer is a specialist centre providing a co-ordinated and individualised approach to the management of women with gynaecological cancers. Approximately 350 women from around NSW are treated by the centre every year.
The Team
There are a number of health professionals working as part of our team, who have specialised training in many aspects of care related to gynaecological cancer. Psychosocial support services are provided by the unit's Clinical Psychologist and Social Worker. The unit also supports the training of Psychologists who are undertaking further studies as part of a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology.
Psychological Support Services
Counselling: Counselling is available for individuals, couples and families to assist with cancer related issues, such as adjustment to cancer and treatment, emotional difficulties and sexual problems. Referrals can also be organised to local or more appropriate services.
Gynaecological Cancer Support Group: Regular support groups are available. These are open to all patients who have been diagnosed with gynaecological cancer, regardless of where they are receiving care. Guest speakers are invited to the meetings, and topics cover a variety of topics including Diet and Cancer, Menopause, Coping with Cancer and Survivorship. There is also an opportunity for the sharing of support and experiences. Some women attend with a friend or carer, but it is a group decision that attending support people be women.
Lending Library: A lending library of books, leaflets, videos and cassette tapes is available. Topics covered include cancer, diet, bereavement, menopause, and sexuality. Some resources are available in a variety of community languages.
Brochures: A number of brochures have been developed in the unit which cover topics such as Coping with Hair Loss, Coping with a Diagnosis of Cancer, Managing Your fear of Needles, How to Practice Relaxation, and Internet Access Sites for Information on Gynaecological Cancers.
Relaxation Tapes / CDs: Professionally recorded cassette tapes and CDs are available that contain relaxation exercises against a background of relaxing music.
Personal Stories from the Westmead Centre for Gynaecological Cancer: We are interested in gathering a collection of personal stories of people's experiences with gynaecological cancer and would also welcome stories from carers and others who have been affected by the illness. With the permission of the authors these stories could be shared with other patients and their families who have contact with our unit. Stories can be any length, and need not include any identifying information beyond a first name. Contributions will be typed and placed in a ring binder file in our lending library for others to access. Contributions can be given to the Clinical Psychologist or Social Worker in person or sent to the unit: c/o Gynaecological Oncology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
Access to Community Services and Entitlements to Statutory Benefits: Advice is available on the above, as well as assistance with advocacy and referral to a wide variety of community services and resources. Examples include access to the "Look Good ... Feel Better" program, Wig Library, Community Transport, legal advice, HomeCare and Community Nursing Services.
Research Activities: Various research projects are being conducted in collaboration with organisations such as the Millennium Institute, the Brain Dynamics Institute and the University of Sydney’s Medical Psychology Research Unit.
Yoga, Meditation and Relaxation Program: This program is available for people with cancer, their carers, family and friends. It aims to help you to learn how to relax and sleep better, deal with stress and pain, and have more energy and cope better emotionally. Everyone can work at their own level regardless of their limitations. The program is being subsidised by the Breast Cancer Institute. The first class is free. After that, classes are $32 for four weeks, with payment to the Westmead Hospital cashier (near the main entrance) in advance of the second class. Attendance is not restricted to patients of the unit or Westmead Hospital. Sessions are held in the Education Block at Westmead Hospital. Enquiries: (02) 9845 8468.
For details on any of these services or suggestions of services you would like, please contact:
Emily Phillips
Clinical Psychologist
(02) 9845 6712
email: emily_phillips@wsahs.nsw.gov.au
or
The Unit Secretary
(02) 9845 6801
Last updated: 3rd May 2007
