History
The Department of Medical Oncology of Vitaz was created in 1999 with the start of Dr Deleu, Head of the Oncology Centre. The Palliative Care Unit has been part of this department since 2019 but originally started its activity in 1999. Both are integrated in one dedicated cancer care unit with subspecialisations according to the latest clinical evidence.
Profile
- Main campus is located in Sint-Niklaas, but cancer care is also offered near patient's habitat: campuses of Beveren, Hamme, Lokeren and Temse.
- The department counts 31 hospitalisation beds, 74 day hospital positions and 8 palliative care beds.
- The physicians include 3 radiotherapists-oncologists, 4 internal medicine-haematologists, 7 medical oncologists of whom 2 are palliative care doctors, 2 gastroenterologists specialised in digestive oncology, 2 pneumo-oncologists and 2 genetic counsellors, 2 gynaecological-oncologists being part of the Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic and 1 urologist working in the Multidisciplinary Prostate Cancer Clinic.
- Palliative physicians are part of the same association with extensive palliative care training and experience.
- The Oncology Center also has a Dedicated Clinical Trial Unit, conducting approximately 50 trials per year, including trials on supportive/palliative care.
- Part of the ENETS CoE Antwerp-Waasland (neuroendocrine tumours).
Specialities
- Medical Oncology/Haematology and Radiotherapy for high quality cancer care of all tumour-types.
- Comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to provide integrated and personal care for all cancer patients.
Palliative and Supportive Care
-
Oncology patients are treated by a multidisciplinary team: physicians, nurses, onco-psychologists, onco-coaches, palliative support team, social workers, dietitians and volunteers.
- Oncological support team to provide support and advice on oncological treatment for both patients and relatives. This team has an extensive role in multidisciplinary care coordination purposes.
- Palliative support team for early care planning (end-of-life decisions), for advice on pain and symptom control and for emotional support. This team also discusses home care possibilities with patients and relatives.
- Palliative Care Unit offers a multidisciplinary approach to complaints in life-threatening conditions and is well equipped with 8 beds in all single rooms with full possibilities of rooming-in
Last update: February 2022
