Acute Oncology Service

Timely diagnosis and early initiation of treatment are crucial in cancer care. To support patients who are unwell or presenting with new, concerning symptoms, Professor Khattak and his team have established Western Australia’s first Acute Oncology Service — a streamlined pathway designed to provide rapid specialist assessment and prompt hospital admission when needed.

What Is the Acute Oncology Service?

The Acute Oncology Service is a specialised, fast-response pathway for patients who are:

• Experiencing new or worsening symptoms related to cancer
• Unwell due to side effects of treatment
• Suspected to have a new or urgent cancer diagnosis
• Requiring urgent investigations to guide treatment decisions

This service ensures that patients are seen quickly by oncology specialists and receive the right investigations and care without unnecessary delays.

How to Access the Service

Patients can access the Acute Oncology Service in two ways:

1. 1. Presenting to Hollywood Private Hospital Emergency Department

   Patients who are unwell can present directly to the Hollywood Emergency Department, where the emergency team will triage and stabilise them before notifying the Acute Oncology team.

2. 2. Referral to the Acute Oncology Service

   Your GP, specialist, or treating clinician can send a referral directly to the Acute Oncology Service for urgent review. Once received, you will be seen promptly to initiate the necessary workup.

What Happens Next?

Patients are admitted urgently to Hollywood Private Hospital if required. Investigations such as scans, blood tests, or biopsies are fast-tracked. The aim is to reduce the time to diagnosis and begin anti-cancer treatment as early as possible. Care is coordinated by the oncology team to ensure swift, evidence-based decisions

This approach has significantly shortened the time from symptom onset to treatment initiation for many patients, improving safety, comfort, and outcomes.

Why This Service Matters

The Acute Oncology Service provides:

• Faster diagnostics
• Earlier treatment planning
• Reduced hospital stays
• Better management of urgent complications
• Coordinated support through a specialist-led pathway

It ensures that patients receive the right care, at the right time, by the oncology team that knows their history best.