RADIOTHERAPY CONTINUED ALSO DURING THE EPIDEMIC

Cancer therapy is a life-saving treatment. It cannot be interrupted, postponed or abandoned, even in such a difficult situation as the constantly developing coronavirus epidemic. For this reason, the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center team is making every effort to ensure that patient admissions and radiotherapy continue as usual.

The facility has implemented a rotating work mode in which individual teams are divided and do not meet with each other. The opening was postponed to 7.30 a.m., and the Center was moved until the end of radiotherapy for the last patient, which often takes place late in the evening. All employees have undergone training in the use of personal protective equipment and hygiene rules during the epidemic.

– Within just a few days we had to implement completely new work rules. Our team is currently working in frontline discipline, but providing patients with access to oncological treatment is our absolute priority. - says Marcin Hetnał, MD, PhD, medical director of the Amethyst Radiation Therapy Center. – Some of the safety rules introduced are not easy for our patients, but they are necessary in this difficult time. Safety and ensuring the continuity of our operations are important - underlines.

Only patients of the Outpatient Clinic and the Radiotherapy Department are allowed into the building of the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center. The exception are caregivers of disabled patients and those requiring direct assistance. Temperature is measured before entering, and people with a temperature of 38 degrees and above are subject to a special procedure. All patients are also asked to measure their temperature before they leave home for therapy. If they detect a fever, they are to contact Amethyst staff by phone.

Unfortunately, due to these rules, patients usually wait several to several minutes to enter, which is why the Center's staff asks patients to come at the designated therapy time. Thanks to this, entries can be made smoothly. During the day from 12.35 to 12.55. there is a short break in measuring temperatures and admitting patients.

Registration to the Radiotherapy Clinic takes place only by phone at the following telephone numbers: 12 34 09 134, 12 34 09 135 and 572 776 944 (from 16.00 p.m. to 17.00 p.m.) or by registering online on the website www.centrum-radioterapia.pl In the case of follow-up visits after completion of radiotherapy, a form of teleconsultation is used. Amethyst's staff is in constant telephone contact with most patients.