1. Further support
- Angel Flight – This volunteer organisation offers free, non-emergency flights and transfers to people living remotely to access specialist medical treatments. Your doctor can organise a referral. Telephone: 1300 726 567. Website: www.angelflight.org.au.
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care – The commission has developed a guide explaining the care that patients should receive from their health service during cancer treatment. Website: www.safetyandquality.gov.au/consumers/understanding-your-rights.
- Cancer Council – Offering information and support, including financial counselling, psychological support, accommodation and transport. Telephone: 13 11 20. Website: www.cancer.org.au.
- Cancer Connect – Cancer Council’s national cancer navigation service, designed to support people to navigate a complex cancer care system. Telephone: 13 11 20. Website: connect.cancer.org.au.
- Canteen – Canteen helps adolescents, young adults and parents to cope with cancer. Canteen offers individual support services, peer support services and a youth cancer service, as well as books, guides and useful links. Telephone: 1800 835 932 to talk to a health professional or 1800 226 833 for other enquiries. Website www.canteen.org.au.
- CareSearch – CareSearch provides information about death and dying for the whole community. Website: www.caresearch.com.au.
- Carer Gateway – This Australian Government program offers free services and supports for carers. Telephone: 1300 422 737. Website: www.carergateway.gov.au.
- eviQ – eviQ provides information for people having cancer treatment and their carers, families and friends. Website: www.eviq.org.au/patients-and-carers.
- Healthdirect – This government-funded service offers quality health information, advice and a service directory. Telephone: 1800 022 222. Website: www.healthdirect.gov.au.
- McGrath Cancer Care Nurses – McGrath Cancer Care Nurses are registered nurses with specialist education and training in caring for people with cancer. Website: www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/get-support/find-a-nurse.
- Patient-assisted travel schemes – These schemes offer financial assistance for costs associated with travelling for treatment. Schemes vary between states and territories. The National Rural Health Alliance has developed a fact sheet outlining the details of each scheme. Website: www.ruralhealth.org.au/publication/fact-sheet/patient-assisted-travel-schemes-guide.
- Royal Flying Doctor Service – The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides emergency medical and primary health care services to those living, working and travelling in rural and remote Australia. Telephone: Emergency numbers vary between states – visit the website to find the most appropriate number for you. Website www.flyingdoctor.org.au.
- Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) – If you need a translator, call TIS on 13 14 50 or visit the TIS website www.tisnational.gov.au.
- WeCan – An Australian supportive care website that helps people affected by cancer access information, guides and support services. Website www.wecan.org.au.