Acute Oncology Service
This service provides access to specialist oncology advice and assessment for patients presenting with acute cancer - related problems needing unplanned and sometimes emergency treatment.
The benefit of the service is that patients with cancer related problems admitted to A&E and to the wards can be seen more quickly and feel more reassured that their care and correct treatment is being planned and delivered.
The Road To Recovery
This cancer information and support program is free of charge and open to all cancer patients and their carers. It is a six week course that helps people who are having treatment or recovering from cancer to get on with life. The course concentrates on refocusing on inner strengths and resilience to support people to cope emotionally, psychologically and practically.
The course is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and led by a Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) with a Counsellor.
For more information or if you are interested in attending please ask your key worker.
Palliative care
‘Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing problems associated with life threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychological and spiritual.’ (World Health Organisation 2002)
Referral to specialist palliative care services in the hospital or in the community may be facilitated by your Key worker, GP or Consultant.
Macmillan resource room
This room is located in St Peter’s outpatients’ department, area 2. It offers a quiet place for people to sit. It has a variety of information that you may find helpful, from financial planning to healthy eating.
- Macmillan financial advice line - Are able to offer advice regarding benefits that you may be entitled to. Telephone: 0808 808 0000
- Ashford Breast Cancer Support Group (ABC) is a patient led support group based at Ashford Hospital. Website: https://abcsupportgroup.org/
Spiritual Support
Judith Allford, Hospital Chaplain, holds contact details of all the recognised bodies offering spiritual care, across the Trust. Patients and their families who feel this input would be helpful can contact Judith via the hospital switchboard – 01932 872000. The small multi–faith chapel situated on level 2 welcomes everyone.
Interpreters / translation
Interpreters / translation services can be available for non-English speaking, deaf or visually impaired patients if required.
Written information can also be obtained as required.
Chaperone’s can also be made available before a consultation or procedure if requested by the patient.
Improving Cancer Care and action Group (ICCAG)
This is a group of cancer patients and family members / carer’s who have recently set up a cancer service user forum. The focus of the group is to work together with the Ashford and St Peter’s Cancer Team to find ways of improving the care and the experience of being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment for patients and their families. If you are interested in joining or learning more about their work, they would be delighted to meet you. Please ask your dedicated Key worker for meeting dates.
