What is the CRAU?

The Cancer Rapid Assessment Unit (CRAU) offers immediate care for people who are currently having cancer treatment at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre without having to go to the Emergency Department.

The CRAU is not a drop-in service. You must call us first on (02) 5124 4401.
The CRAU is open 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.

Who can use the CRAU?

You can use the CRAU if you are a current patient with a cancer diagnosis and need immediate care, including when you:

• Are about to start chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Are currently having chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Have finished chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the last 3 months
• Need urgent review for palliative symptoms

When should I call the CRAU?

You should call the CRAU if you have any of the following:

• Temperature above 38^o C
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Suddenly unable to control your bladder or bowel
• Not able to eat or drink
• Mouth pain or difficulty swallowing
• New rashes or lumps
• Sudden loss of sensation or feeling in any part of your body
• New pain or pain that doesn’t get better when you take medicine
• Loss of ability to walk or move your muscles
• New, severe bruising on any part of your body
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling very tired
• Bleeding
• Confusion
• Problems with your central line or access device such as bleeding, redness or discharge.

Do not call the CRAU

• To find out clinic times
• For repeat prescriptions
• Other medical issues not related to your cancer or its treatment
• Second opinions on advice from your GP or other health professionals
• For information about your treatment
• Test results
• To speak to your specialist.

How do I contact the CRAU?

You can contact CRAU by calling (02) 5124 4401. This phone number will be answered 24 hours a day every day of the year. If the phone goes to voicemail, please leave a message with your name and contact phone number and we will return your call as soon as we can.

When you call the CRAU, a nurse will answer the phone and ask you some questions. The nurse will offer suggestions about how to manage your problem and may ask you to come into the CRAU if needed or ask you to go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department.

If you call outside of the CRAU business hours your call will be diverted to the Link team, and you will be triaged.

In an emergency, please call 000 for an ambulance

What do I bring to the CRAU?

Please bring:

• Your Medicare card/DVA card or Defence Personnel Number (if applicable)
• Your current medicines/tablets, or A list of your current medicines/tablets
• Any recent scans or test results
• Any information about your current cancer treatment.

What will happen at the CRAU

When you come to the CRAU, nurses and doctors will examine you, order tests and start treatment to manage your symptoms or condition.

Depending on your needs, we will give you a prescription for medicine or treat you in hospital.

Where is the CRAU?

Canberra Rapid Assessment Unit, Canberra Region Cancer Centre
Level 1, Building 19, The Canberra Hospital, Yamba Drive, Garran, ACT, 2605
Phone: (02) 5124 4401