Doha, October 11 (QNA) - Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) launched a new specialized clinic at Hamad General Hospital (HGH) to support cancer patients who require repeated intravenous treatments. The clinic provides specialized assessment to determine the most appropriate method of care tailored to each patient's condition and treatment plan.

The clinic brings together oncology and vascular surgery teams from the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) and the Vascular Surgery Department at HGH, which provides a full picture of each patient's needs related to intravenous treatment, and helps with planning and follow-up at every stage of treatment.

Many cancer patients require medications and treatments to be administered intravenously repeatedly during their treatment. Some patients may experience difficulty establishing and maintaining suitable venous access for treatment, particularly when treatment sessions are frequent and follow-up extends over a long period.

In this regard, Medical Director and CEO of NCCCR and Chairman of Cancer Services at HMC, Dr. Mohammed Salem Al Hassan, said: "We are committed to continuously developing cancer care services to meet patients’ diverse needs throughout their treatment journey. The launch of this clinic is part of these efforts, providing specialized care to address a critical challenge many patients experience during treatment.

"Caring for cancer patients requires ongoing integration among different medical specialties and areas of expertise. We place great importance on this integration to ensure continuity and coordination of the services provided to patients and to address their needs," he added.

In turn, Head of Oncology, Palliative Care and Urgent Care Services at NCCCR, Dr. Al-Harith Al Khater, said, "Some cancer patients require intravenous treatments over extended periods, and their needs may change as treatment continues. The clinic enables medical teams to assess these needs at an early stage and address them as part of the patient's treatment plan, helping to facilitate the treatment journey and manage challenges that may arise."

For his part, Head of Trauma, Vascular, and General Surgery Department at HGH, Dr. Hassan Ali Saud Al-Thani, said, "Some patients may experience difficulty maintaining suitable venous access for treatment, particularly when intravenous treatments are administered repeatedly. Specialized assessment helps determine the appropriate options for each case based on the patient's needs and the nature of their treatment.

"This pathway enables cases requiring specialized assessment to be addressed in a timely manner and supports decision-making regarding venous access options according to each patient's needs," Dr. Al-Thani added.

In the same context, a patient describing their experience with the clinic, said, "I used to feel anxious before my chemotherapy sessions because of the difficulty accessing my vein. Sometimes this meant having to make repeated attempts to insert the needle, which caused me pain and discomfort. After I was referred to the clinic, the team, along with the Vascular Surgery team, listened to my concerns and explained the option that was appropriate for my condition. They answered my questions clearly, which made me feel more reassured. After the appropriate catheter was inserted for my treatment, receiving my medications became easier and more comfortable." (QNA)