TMCKids
About the department:
TMCKids looks after children with cancer, aged 18 years and younger. We have 5 consultant staff, with expertise in different aspects of childhood cancer. In addition to a dedicated Paediatric ward with isolation facilities, there is a Paediatric Onco Critical Care Unit to look after the sickest children. The department benefits from a bespoke research unit at the Tata Translational Cancer Research Centre with an in-house clinical trials unit. We have extensive links with other centres in India and abroad and we provide modern, evidence based medical care for our patients. The department actively participates in National and International clinical trials. With a robust team of support staff, holistic care is provided to the children throughout their cancer journey
The paediatric in-patient facility is a state-of-the art 40 bedded unit with HEPA filtered and negative pressure isolation rooms. There is an integrated Paediatric Onco-Critical Care Unit, a Day Care ward, a patient waiting area and a play room. The unit is supported by St. Jude India Child Care Centre which provides free long term accommodation for children in close proximity to the hospital. A bone marrow transplant program is shared with adult haematology. There are dedicated clinics for children with different malignancies as well as benign disorders. Multidisciplinary management of complex tumours benefits from in-house expertise. These include bone and soft tissue sarcomas, brain tumours and other paediatric solid tumours. Comprehensive retinoblastoma services are provided in conjunction with two neighbouring tertiary eye hospitals. Support services include a dedicated social service programme, paediatric nutritionist, and play therapists.
We have a highly academic department. The unit is accredited for training with the National Board of Examinations and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics. We are a member of the International St Jude Global Alliance. The department participates in as well as coordinates multi centre clinical trials in children with cancer.
We have a steadily increasing workload with over 600 new cases registered per year. About half of these are haematological malignancies.
4-6-month rotational training in Paediatric Haematology Oncology
The Department of Paediatric Haematology Oncology offers a rotation of 4-6 months for International candidates undergoing Fellowship in this super specialty in their home countries. At present, trainees from Ethiopia (Universities of Jimma, Gondar, and Addis Ababa) are availing this rotation. The rotation is aimed at providing the candidates of a rounded experience in working at a state-of-the-art Paediatric Haematology Oncology unit and Haemopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit. The candidates rotate through certain specialties that are still undergoing evolution at their home countries, including Palliative Care and Radiation Oncology.
