2.1 Principles of Satellite Care

The principles of the Satellite Program include:

1. Referral
2. Assessment, Stabilization (and where appropriate), Management of an ill child previously diagnosed with malignant disease, including the treatment of therapy complications, and the delivery of selected chemotherapeutic agents, will occur in accordance with protocols and formal guidelines.  All other aspects of the care of eligible children will occur in the tertiary context only.
3. Treatment of children according to protocols and protocol assignment determined by the Tertiary institution and their affiliations with collaborative cancer study groups must be respected, and any local constraints overcome. For patients on study, the drugs are to be given under the aegis of the tertiary centre and the relevant REB.
4. Satellite Activity (e.g. in-patient pediatric, ambulatory and emergency care) must be closely integrated and carried out or supervised by designated, prepared pediatric staff with an identified lead physician and designated alternative physician(s). Such alternative individual(s) must have appropriate training.
5. Availability of accessible, acceptable local emergency care is mandatory.
6. Availability of APHON certified nurses to administer chemotherapy agents.
7. Care must be delivered according to specific guidelines (see section 3.0 Chemotherapy Administration).