Faces of Peninsula Health: Chantelle Pollard

The Chemotherapy Day Unit at Rosebud Hospital provides cancer treatments in a safe, professional, and compassionate environment, serving patients from across the Mornington Peninsula.

At the heart of this vital service is Associate Nurse Unit Manager (ANUM) Chantelle, whose leadership and dedication are essential for the unit’s smooth and compassionate operation.

“As the ANUM, I am responsible for coordinating patient care. My main focus is ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Since the drugs we administer are highly reactive, minimising the risk of adverse reactions is a top priority. Patient safety is always our primary concern,” Chantelle explains.

“In addition to caring for the patients currently in the clinic, I also look ahead to the next day and week, scheduling patient education, treatments, blood tests, and addressing any issues that may arise from this planning.”

Chantelle began her journey with Peninsula Health six years ago and has been a nurse for over 20 years. However, she hasn’t always worked in oncology.

“I worked in emergency and general medicine surgery, but I’ve always returned to oncology,” says Chantelle.

“I got my first taste of the specialty when I started working in the chemotherapy unit at The Royal Children’s Hospital, and since then, I’ve developed a passion for cancer nursing and everything it involves.”

What drew Chantelle to the profession was the people.

“Our chemotherapy and cancer patients are amazing individuals; I’m inspired by them every day. The strength and courage they show in facing their chemotherapy appointments, despite how sick it makes them, is incredible. They get back up and do it all again,” Chanetlle reflects.

“I enjoy listening to their concerns, their stories—and reassuring them that we’ve got their backs. We provide extensive support behind the scenes, including an after-hours phone service, which helps our patients feel confident that their voices will always be heard.”

“Patients are the most rewarding part of my job, and creating a fun, happy space for them is essential. Some of their journeys may not have a great outcome, but we don’t want them to feel sad or uncomfortable coming here. Making the space bright and cheerful is crucial.”

This year, Peninsula Health’s annual Take a Break for Cancer fundraiser returns to support cancer services at Peninsula Health.

Make a contribution and help enhance the treatment environment for patients like Chantelle’s. Your support can greatly enhance their quality of life during chemotherapy. To donate please visit: www.takeabreakforcancer.org.au.

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