While a diagnosis of cancer can feel isolating, it is important to remember that you are not alone. The experienced and caring team at North Shore Private Hospital will be with you every step of the way.

Your care will be overseen by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals who will work with you and your loved ones to tailor a personalised plan for your treatment and supportive care needs.

Our allied health specialist will form part of your multidisciplinary team. They will be there to focus on your overall wellbeing, managing symptoms and side effects to help you achieve the best outcomes from your treatment.  

Different cancers have different multidisciplinary teams made up of different health professionals specialising in that specific cancer type. North Shore Private Hospital has multidisciplinary teams across all cancer types.

Because all cancers are different, everyone’s cancer pathway is different. You may meet a variety of healthcare professionals during, between and after your cancer treatment, including:

Understanding and navigating the complex world of cancer treatment can be overwhelming. North Shore Private Hospital offers you peace of mind with the Cancer Care Navigation Service to guide you through your cancer journey.

Our Cancer Care Navigators are specialist nurses who have extensive experience in looking after people with cancer. They work alongside your multidisciplinary team to coordinate all aspects of your care, so that you and your loved ones can focus on what matters most.

From diagnosis through to recovery and beyond, your Cancer Care Navigator will:

• help you to understand your treatment plan and address any questions or concerns you may have
• be an active link between your multidisciplinary team, treating specialist and your GP, keeping you on track between treatments
• refer you for additional support services, such as exercise, nutritional support, or psychological support
• provide education, information and emotional support for you and your loved ones
• spend time with you to understand what matters to you.

Your Cancer Care Navigator is a friendly face, making sure you have access to personalised care at every stage of your cancer journey. 

Pilar is a registered nurse with a Masters in both Nursing and Social Work, in addition to Graduate Certificates in Surgical High Dependancy and Leadership and Management.

As the Cancer Care Navigator she acts as a conduit between the patient and the treating multi-disciplinary team by evaluating and monitoring a comprehensive treatment plan; connecting patients with families, professionals, hospitals and community service providers; ensure continuity and quality of care for cancer patients and their families and; providing our patients with a positive cancer treatment experience.

Pilar likes that she will be able to establish a pathway of care and compassion for patients who are experiencing a most harrowing and difficult time of life. “I want to make a difference in my patients’ lives. Nursing has given me an opportunity to meet so many people from all walks of life. Everyone has a story. Everyone experiences personal struggles and difficulties. Whether it’s as a nurse - attending a dressing to a wound, or as a social worker - counselling patients and their family members, I want to help people along their journey.”

Prior to this role Pilar practiced clinical nursing for the eighteen years, as a Registered Nurse and as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. During this time, she embraced her interest in education, and has worked as a Clinical Nurse Educator. She has facilitated final year nursing students and lectured at Avondale Nursing College. She has spent time as a discharge planner and most recently, as a Nurse-Counsellor at Breast Screen NSW.