“We are supposed to be a centre of excellence,” the staff member said. “Cutting these services will have devastating outcomes for patients and families, increasing the chances of ongoing trauma and making their journey even more challenging and distressing.”
The staff member went on to say there was no centralised art therapy team and pointed out that pictures of the centre’s patients were being used to promote the annual Good Friday Appeal, which raises funds to “provide world class care” to children.
“It’s not right. It’s so wrong,” the staff member said.
A second employee, also speaking on the condition of anonymity for the same reason, agreed.
“It’s bad for children’s and family’s mental health.”
In an email to CCC staff earlier this week, also seen by The Age, RCH head of medicine Michelle Telfer said job cut decisions were not easy.
“For those of you who work in the Children’s Cancer Centre and oncology teams, there is a very special bond among staff and the patients and families we care for,” Telfer wrote.
“I know each of you will be concerned about the potential impact to our patients and families and want to reassure you we are working towards a solution where the core medical care children receive at the RCH is not compromised.”
The hospital said in a statement on Friday evening that the Children’s Cancer Centre “is world renowned for delivering outstanding care to patients and families dealing with childhood cancer.
“We’re carefully considering changes to the CCC to ensure services evolve sustainably over time. The CCC will continue to be an international leader in the treatment of childhood cancer. The exceptional medical care children receive at the RCH will not be compromised.”
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Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association secretary Craig McGregor, from the union representing the bulk of affected employees, said centralised teams meant fewer resources.
“I’m staggered that the Royal Children’s Hospital would cut critical cancer care services days out from the Good Friday Appeal,” McGregor said. “These cuts will cause harm. They must be reversed. This is an appalling act.”
The changes to the hospital’s cancer centre come after a specialist unit treating complex colorectal conditions was quietly disbanded in February.
Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier described the job losses as cruel and said it was just one example of what was at stake due to Victoria’s finances.
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Treasury figures from late last year showed Victoria’s net debt had reached $140.7 billion and that the state government’s quarterly interest bill was $1.6 billion – the equivalent of $17.6 million a day.
A state government spokesperson said there had been no changes to the way the government had funded the Royal Children’s.
“We will always make sure that children receiving care at the Royal Children’s Hospital receive the highest-quality care and support,” the spokesperson said.
Last year’s Good Friday Appeal raised a record $23.37 million. This year’s appeal will be held on April 18.
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