“RESSCU provides the right care at the right place at the right time.”
Pain, nausea and vomiting are an unpleasant reality for many cancer patients. Sometimes these symptoms and side effects don’t require a visit to an emergency department, but they do need to be managed before a patient’s next scheduled appointment.
The Rapid Evaluation and Symptom Support Cancer Unit (RESSCU) is an urgent care centre at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre that sees about 100 patients every month. Patient volumes have been increasing significantly since its opening in 2015.
“RESSCU provides the right care at the right place at the right time,” says Georgia Georgiou, Director of the Integrated Cancer Treatment Services Program.
“Under the leadership of our nurse practitioners, a specialized care team in RESSCU provides tailored care on an outpatient basis. This helps to reduce visits to the Emergency Department, and reduce avoidable hospital admissions.”
Going to RESSCU is more convenient for patients and it ensures they are seen by cancer specialists.
“The service was recognized as a Leading Practice by Accreditation Canada in 2019 for improving outcomes and accessibility for patients,” says Georgia.
RESSCU helps manage patient concerns or symptoms in an environment that includes clinical areas and remote monitoring. Support by phone is also available, which eliminates travel and provides immediate connection with a clinician.
“We’re grateful that proceeds from 2019’s Illuminight are enabling us to expand the clinical space, helping us provide better care for the increasing number of patients.”
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