Where is the Day Care at the Oncology Centre?

The Day Care is located on Level 0.

Who is treated within the Day Care?

All adult patients requiring oncological/haemato-oncologocial treatment, that lasts less than 8 hours, are treated within the day care. This includes:

• Administration of chemotherapy and immunotherapy
• Administration of blood and/or blood products
• Hydration
• Administration of targeted therapies
• Administration of other treatment.

Other procedures carried out at the day care include:

• Treatment related reviews and management of complications
• Nursing procedures e.g. change of dressings, management of central venous access devices (Port-a-cath, Hickman Line)
• Medical interventions e.g. pleural and abdominal tapping, trephine biopsies, lumbar punctures.

Who will look after me?

A team of professionals will be looking after you. The team consists of oncology consultants and medical doctors, nurses, practice nurses, paramedic aides, reception staff, pharmacists and the clinical support services (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and psychologists).

What should I bring with me?

• Identification (ID) card
• Appointment schedule
• Schedule V (Yellow medication card)
• Any other medical documents or results
• Medication being taken at home
• Bottle of water and light snack
• Cardigan and comfortable loose clothing (in view of venous access)
• Extra clothing

Other relevant information

• Punctuality – It is very important to be on time for your appointment. Arriving late for your appointment may cause your chemotherapy session to be re-scheduled.
• On the day of treatment, always make sure you have an appointment for the next blood test and treatment session
• If you have a port-a-cath, please remember to book an appointment for the flushing of the port-a-cath.
• You will not be seen without an appointment.
• To maintain patient comfort and privacy, waiting areas are restricted to patients only.
• Patients scheduled for a review appointment may be accompanied by one person only in clinic.
• Only patients are allowed in infusion areas, treatment rooms and procedures in clinic 3 &4.
• Patients and accompanying persons are expected must wear clean and appropriate attire.
• In case of any queries, you can call the ward during opening hours for advice.
• Always apply hand rub to clean your hands until they dry when entering and leaving the ward.
• No potted plants, fresh flowers or pets are allowed in the unit.
• Please do not attend DW if you are unwell especially if you have a cough, cold or flu-like symptoms; diarrhoea and vomiting; fever; rash or infectious diseases such as chicken pox, shingles, mumps, measles etc.
• Please call the Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital if you experience any of the following symptoms outside clinical hours, on Sundays and Public Holidays:
  • Temperature above 37.7°C (100°F) after chemotherapy
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Persistent vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Sudden weakness in the lower limbs

Clinical Hours

Monday – Sunday: 7.45 to 18.00

Contact numbers: 25452370/1