Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology
DEPARTMENT OF RADIOTHERAPY AND ONCOLOGY
NATIONAL HOSPITAL ABUJA
QUALITY OF CARE POLICY AND OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
NHA/CD/QOCP/O&R/001
Dr. C. NWACHUKWU
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT
1.0 Introduction
The department of radiotherapy and oncology was established in the year 2000 with the aim of providing optimal oncological care for cancer patients and their families. This care should be delivered with empathy at an affordable cost and in a conducive environment.
The department is fully accredited by West Africa College of Surgeons (WACS) and National Postgraduate Medical College (NPMCN).
- Vision Statement:
To provide affordable individualized evidence based optimal care to the cancer patients and their families in a professional manner that is comprehensive, coordinated and delivered in a comfortable environment.
- Mission Statement
Provision of hope and care to every cancer patient with empathy a multidisciplinary team setting.
2.0 Quality assurance policy:
To ensure quality service delivery Morbidity and mortality meetings are held monthly where patient care is re-evaluated and audited.
The department management policy is based on
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline. Parent version
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline -Harmonized version for sub – Saharan
- ESMO guideline
- ASCO guidelin
3.0 Strength of the department
The department is situated in a hospital that has all the components of Cancer
Multidisciplinary Team. We have up-to-date comprehensive equipment needed for all aspect
of cancer care and a conducive environment for assessment, treatment and follow up.
The department is headed by Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist supported by
other Consultants, Resident doctors, Therapy Radiographers among others.
Services Provided
- Clinical services (The oncology outpatient clinic runs from Monday to Thursday, while emergency services are for 24hrs seven days a week).
- Diagnosis of cancers (including Confirmation and Staging)
- Counseling of patients and care-giver on all aspect of cancer management.
- Treatment:
- 3D conformal radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Hormonal therapy
- Training:-
- Training of Residents within and outside the hospital
- Post Basic Oncology Training for Nurses
- Training of Therapy Radiographers
4.0 Operational Guidelines:
Operatively the department is divided into
- Radiotherapy
- Medical Oncology.
Cancer patients are received via the outpatient’s oncology clinic, other specialist on the ward or emergency department with a histopathology report (signed by a consultant histopathologist) and referral letter. Patient is evaluated and cancer staged.
Note: A second opinion or further testing may be requested.
Treatment options, course, prognosis and their support system are discussed.
Radiotherapy: Medical physics department monitors the daily output and calibration as well as radiation safety of the department. A date and specific instructions, based on the treatment intent, site and stage of the disease are given to the patient. Treatment is by 3D conformal radiotherapy and scheduled portal imaging is done to verify treatments. Oncology emergencies requiring radiotherapy are treated promptly.
Medical Oncology: Delivery is monitored via scheduled outpatient clinic visits.
If the patient needs chemotherapy, hormonal or targeted therapy, their regimen is written out clearly and explained to the patient. Oncology pharmacists counsel on possible side effects and drug interactions while oncology nurses advice on Do’s and Don’ts, lifestyle and diet.
During chemotherapy, patient is closely monitored in all parameters.
The patient’s response to treatment is monitored over time by the managing consultant. Following completion of outlined management, patients are either referred back to their referring doctor or continue their follow up visits in the outpatient clinic.
5.0 WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AND SCHEDULE:
6.0 DEPARTMENT OF RADIOTHERAPY AND ONCOLOGY ORGANOGRAM
7.0 Health and Safety Policy:
The health and safety policy of the Department is an important part of the department’s daily responsibility.
It encompasses both infrastructure and the safety of personnel
Personnel safety:
- Staff are provided with personal protective garments and Personal dosimetry badges.
- Cytotoxics are compounded by the oncology pharmacists following the chemo-safe guideline and principles.
Infrastructure safety:
- Monitored control badges at designated spots
- Use of maze entrance and leading in appropriate areas.
- Daily safety check by medical physicists.
- Radiation Signage
8.0 Policy on Minimum Standard:
- All patients are attended to in a timely manner
- All patients are managed by a team headed by a consultant
- All safety protocols concerning radiotherapy and chemotherapy will be strictly adhered to.
- Treatment protocols will be updated in line with international best practices
9.0 List of Staff:
Seven (7) consultants of the radiotherapy and oncology department are MDCN registered doctors, and hold fellowship of either West African College of Surgeons or National Post Graduate College.
9 resident doctors in training,
9 therapy-radiographers
22 nurses (oncology clinic, ward and radiotherapy suite),
6 hospital health assistants,
1 Secretary
1 Clerical officer.
Contact email: hod.radiotherapy@nationalhospital.gov.ng