Cancer Older Peoples Service (COPS)

Cancer Older People Service is a clinic run for people over 65 who are having or had cancer treatment. You may also have other conditions or symptoms that you are trying to manage. We understand the needs of our service users which can be complex due to many factors including 

• Self-care (personal care, functional mobility, etc.)
• Productivity (work, household management) 
• Leisure (reactional activities, socialisations)
  
  

Our team includes two geriatricians: Dr Kirsty Colquhoun and Dr Pamela Seenan. A geriatrician is a hospital doctor who specialises in the care of older adults and the complex health issues they may experience.

• Allied Health Professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and dietitians

• Medical colleagues including oncologists and palliative care doctors

• Support services such as pharmacy and pastoral care
  
  

The team delivers comprehensive geriatric assessment to those patients who are over 65, with cancer, that would benefit from this service.  This is an evidence based process that maximises overall health by optimising any physical, psychosocial or functional problems you may have.  Some of the specific things we can help with are:

- Improving your mobility and reducing falls.
- Helping with any memory or mood problems.
- Optimizing any co morbidities (other health problems) you have.
- Polypharmacy management (optimizing your medications)
- Nutrition.
- Improving your functional abilities, for e.g. helping you to be as safe and independent as possible with tasks that you want to do.
- Accessing other services such as rehabilitation, financial support, and a dedicated support network.

• On the ward at the Beatson, if you are staying in hospital as an inpatient.
  
  
• As an outpatient, at our dedicated clinic in the Tom Weldon Building on the Beatson Campus (Level 0, Clinic Room 2/3). Please check in at the reception desk near the Beatson Café when you arrive.