What is the Radiation Nursing Clinic?
The Radiation Nursing Clinic (RNC) is a clinic that helps patients manage the side effects of their radiation treatment. The clinic can be used by patients who are:
- starting their radiation treatment,
- getting radiation treatment now, and/or
- are within 2 weeks of finishing radiation treatment
Why would I visit the Radiation Nursing Clinic?
The nurse will help you:
- Take care of your skin (for example, show you how to use a saline soak or change bandages).
- Deal with new side effects you may have during your treatment (for example, feeling like you may throw up, throwing up, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, feeling sick in general).
- Learn new skills like how to care for your feeding tube and how to take your medicine
- Give you medicine or replace fluids through an intravenous or IV (a way to put medicine or fluids directly into your blood)
Nurses in the Radiation Nursing Clinic work closely with your health care team, and will speak to them about your care when needed.
How can I be seen at the Radiation Nursing Clinic?
You can be seen at the Radiation Nursing Clinic at any time. You do not need to be referred by a member of your healthcare team.
You may have to wait to be seen. Patients with serious health problems will be seen first.
Where is the Radiation Nursing Clinic located?
The Radiation Nursing Clinic is on 2B (2 floors below ground level) at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
When is the Radiation Nursing Clinic open?
- The Radiation Nursing Clinic is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- The last patient will be seen at 5:30 pm.
- The Radiation Nursing Clinic is a place for you to rest between radiation treatments. But if the clinic is busy there may not be enough space for you to rest there.
Can I still come to the clinic if I am done radiation treatment?
Yes. You can come to the Radiation Nursing Clinic for two weeks after your last radiation treatment has done.
What if I have a problem more than 2 weeks after my radiation treatment is done?
Call your:
- Registered Nurse (Specialized Oncology Nurse)
- Doctor’s office (Radiation Oncologist)
If you have a problem or concern that is not caused by your radiation treatment, call or visit your family doctor.
Where can I get supplies after my radiation treatment is done?
You can buy most of your supplies at:
- The Princess Margaret’s Out-Patient Pharmacy (Main Floor of the Princess Margaret). Call 416 946 6593.
- Your local pharmacy or a pharmacy of your choice.
If you are getting nursing care in your home, your local LHIN Home and Community Care will help you get all the medical supplies you need for your care.
