[The development of a hospital service for planning and organizing the care of cancer patients in the staging phase: the example of Novara hospital].

. The development of a hospital service for planning and organizing the care of cancer patients in the staging phase: the example of Novara hospital.

Introduction: Any disease, but specifically cancer, creates anxiety and patients enter a new path where they need to be accompanied.

Aims: To describe the organisation of a reception and service centre (CAS) for cancer patients at the Novara Hospital.

Methods: The Piedmont Oncology Network has set up the CAS, but each hospital, following common principles, has organised its own CAS, based on the collaborations and resources made available.

Results: Since 2015 the following services have been activated in the CAS of Novara: a nursing assessment chart (available in the computerised patient documentation system); the regular monitoring of cancer patients that access to the hospital and the times needed to carry out examinations and to organize exams and visits; a nursing clinic for the insertion of central venous catheters; a counter under the responsibility of the local patronages for support in bureaucratic procedures; an app has been created to make information available and allow patients direct contact with the service.

Conclusions: There is still room for improvement but our experience shows that it is possible to create and operate services to accompany the patient through the path of illness and guarantee the right to be cared for.