Paediatrics

Paediatric Haematology & Oncology

The Haematology Oncology unit of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health of TBH is a tertiary referral unit attached to the University of Stellenbosch. It is accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a training unit for the Certificate in Medical Oncology.

The unit opened almost 30 years ago on 1 April 1983.

The most common malignancies treated are leukaemia, brain tumours, nephroblastoma and lymphoma.  Children's ages range from early infancy to late adolescence. Referrals are received from both public and private healthcare facilities. Multi-disciplinary meetings involving radio-oncology, paediatric surgery, and neurosurgery take place regularly at our unit, as well as tumour board meetings are held with Departments of Anatomical Pathology and Haematopathology. Supporting disciplines also include social work, psychology, psychiatry, dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology and the other various sub-disciplines of Paediatrics. Academic ward rounds occur daily and journal club meetings are frequently held.

We offer a telephonic consultation service and assist certain facilities on outreach visits.

The unit has a strong outreach program and is involved in building up capacity, teaching and training in many African countries.

The unit regularly participates in clinical trials.

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