The following training and experience is required of the appropriate specialist(s):

• Medical oncologists (RACP or equivalent) must have adequate training and experience with institutional credentialling and agreed scope of practice within this area (ACSQHC 2004).
• Nurses must have adequate training in chemotherapy administration and handling and disposal of cytotoxic waste.
• Chemotherapy should be prepared by a pharmacist with adequate training in chemotherapy medication, including dosing calculations according to protocols, formulations and/or preparation.
• In a setting where no medical oncologist is locally available, some components of less complex therapies may be delivered by a medical practitioner and/or nurse with training and experience with credentialling and agreed scope of practice within this area under the guidance of a medical oncologist. This should be in accordance with a detailed treatment plan or agreed protocol, and with communication as agreed with the medical oncologist or as clinically required.
• Radiation oncologist (FRANZCR or equivalent) with adequate training and experience that enables institutional credentialling and agreed scope of practice within this area (ACSQHC 2004) and who is also a core member of an oncology MDT.

These include:

• a clearly defined path to emergency care and advice after hours
• access to basic haematology and biochemistry testing
• cytotoxic drugs prepared in a pharmacy with appropriate facilities
• occupational health and safety guidelines regarding handling of cytotoxic drugs, including safe prescribing, preparation, dispensing, supplying, administering, storing, manufacturing, compounding and monitoring the effects of medicines (ACSQHC 2011)
• guidelines and protocols to deliver treatment safely (including dealing with extravasation of drugs)
• appropriate nursing and theatre resources to manage complex surgery
• 24-hour medical staff availability
• 24-hour operating room access
• specialist pathology
• in-house access to radiology
• an intensive care unit
• trained radiotherapy nurses, physicists and therapists
• access to CT/MRI scanning for simulation and planning
• mechanisms for coordinating combined therapy (chemotherapy and radiation therapy), especially where the facility is not collocated
• access to allied health, especially nutrition health and advice.