Introduction
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life changing event and you and your family may experience a wide range of emotions, and have a lot of questions and concerns throughout your cancer journey.
Your Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is available to provide ongoing support from the initial investigations leading to diagnosis, throughout your treatment and on to living with and beyond cancer.
They will provide you with any necessary information, answer any questions and provide emotional support and guidance to you and your family.
How is your care planned?
Your care is planned at a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meeting which is held weekly. The MDT consists of Surgeons, Medical Consultants, Radiologists, Histopathologists, Oncologists and Clinical Nurse Specialists. The recommended investigations that have been performed are discussed and a treatment plan is agreed by the team.
Treatment may involve one of the following; Surgery, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Radiotherapy, Targeted Therapy and Hormone Therapy or a combination.
You will have the opportunity to meet with your doctor and CNS to discuss your treatment plan at an outpatient clinic appointment where specific information will be given to you, including the goal and benefits of treatment and the possible side effects of treatment and any support services available to you.
We encourage patients to attend clinic appointments with a family member or friend for additional support.
For assistance regarding clinic appointments you may contact the haematology secretaries on: 01932 723027 / 01932 723432 / 01932 722120
Our Day Unit Nursing team
- Juliet Nkansa - Sister (Haematology Day Unit)
- Mariana Silva - Deputy Sister (Haematology Day Unit)
- Charlotte Smith - Staff Nurse (Haematology Day Unit)
- Abee Cardano - Staff Nurse (Haematology Day Unit)
The nursing team is based in the Haematology Day Unit, Level 1 OPD block, St. Peter's Hospital, KT16 0PZ
Tel: 01932 722347
The Day unit is also available to contact regarding any concerns you may have, or merely to have someone to talk to.
Our working hours are Monday – Friday 9.00 – 5.00pm.
Your Cancer Pathway
At Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals we provide a patient-centred approach to your care, helping to support people living with and beyond cancer. We aim to provide a well-coordinated, holistic, personalised approach to your care.
Cancer Support Workers
Cancer support workers provide a dedicated support helpline for all our cancer patients, family members and carers. They are available to answer questions, help with appointments and access local support services as well as provide support throughout your cancer journey.
They work closely with your CNS and if the question or concern is of a clinical nature they will contact your CNS who will return your call.
Contact Number: 01784 884052
Macmillan Support and Information
At St Peter’s Hospital Outpatient department, area 2, there is a Macmillan Resource Room providing a quiet place to sit, offering many informational booklets for you to browse or take home. Macmillan provides a number of resources which are readily available to you such as:
- Welfare benefits
- Understanding your specific cancer
- Cancer treatments and their side effects
- Support groups and services
If you need further information Macmillan can assist you.
Telephone: 0808 808 000
Clinical Research
Research is a key aspect of the work of the NHS. It is through research that we provide evidence upon which we base our care and treatments, and improve our treatments.
The NHS constitution states that it is every patient’s right to be able to participate in a research study, should they wish to, and should they meet the requirements of the study.
There are many ongoing cancer clinical research projects at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals, you may be asked to participate in a study by your Surgeon or Oncologist.
Additional Support and Useful Contacts
Please visit our Additional Support page for more information.
- Cancer BACUP
0808 800 1234
www.cancerBacup.org.uk
- Leukaemia care
01905 330003
www.leukaemiacare.org
- Lymphoma Association
0808 808 5555
www.lymphoma.org.uk
- Myeloma helpline
0800 980 3332
www.myeloma.org.uk
- CREST Cancer information and support centre
01784 446298
www.crestcancer.org.uk
- Macmillan Cancerline
0808 808 2020
www.macmillan.org.uk
- Patient Info
www.patient.info
