We have a comprehensive team and facilities to support patients, families and carers through their treatment within the Proton Beam Therapy department. These include:
Depending on your treatment you may see the doctor, radiotherapy review team, clinical nurse specialist or specialist radiographer for regular reviews. These appointments will be on your appointment list.
Your reviews will allow you to discuss any problems from your radiotherapy (physical or emotional).
These appointments are about your individual needs. They are an opportunity to obtain information and support and referral to other services as appropriate.
The proton beam therapy service has dedicated complimentary therapies which can be accessed within the department; additional therapies are conducted within the Macmillan Cancer Centre, just a short walk away.
Depending on your treatment you may see a clinical nurse specialist for regular reviews. These appointments will be on your appointment list.
Your reviews will allow you to discuss any problems from your radiotherapy (physical or emotional).
These appointments are about your individual needs; an opportunity to obtain information and support and referral to other services as appropriate site specialist radiographers
The Macmillan Information and Support Radiographer is a Therapeutic Radiographer specialising in information and support for patients and those around them. You can ask to meet with the Information and Support Radiographer at any time before or during your treatment course. You may also be referred to them by a member of staff while attending for treatment. The Information and Support Radiographer is here to:
- Provide relevant information and support to you, your relatives and carers on all aspects of your proton beam therapy treatment, side-effects and how best to look after yourself during treatment
- Explain and clarify medical terms
- Provide a confidential setting for you to discuss any concerns or questions you may have regarding your treatment
- To provide emotional support for you and those people looking after you before, during and after your treatment.
- To provide further information and advice, or help in finding the information you require.
- To be a link with all doctors, nurses and other health care professionals involved in your care both in the hospital and in the community.
- Refer you to other appropriate professionals or services that may be of assistance to you.
They also produce a wide range of patient information leaflets. These leaflets tell you about proton beam therapy planning, treatment and possible expected side effects. The Information and Support Radiographer will be happy to discuss any of the information in these leaflets with you.
Our support workers are part of the cancer care team. They work alongside registered practitioners to improve care for people with cancer. Support workers provide emotional and practical support, helping people to navigate the healthcare system more confidently. The support of Macmillan support workers is designed to help people living with cancer feel empowered and to take control of their care.
The Macmillan Living Room is a space within the proton beam therapy department for people having proton beam therapy. Whatever it is you feel you need to talk about, from coping with your emotions, to talking to children or those close to you, we are here to help. You are welcome to come in and have a cup of tea while you wait for your appointment or gather your thoughts before going home.
We have a range of leaflets and booklets about cancer types, tests and treatments, living with and beyond cancer, work and finances, and many other topics. If we don’t have what you need, we will show you where you can find it.
We offer practical support to you and those who support you about financial concerns and work. If we can’t help, we can direct you to our welfare and benefits team, or your local services.
The living room holds various events and seminars throughout each month, these can be found on the events board located just outside the Living Room entrance. Please ask our support workers for more information.
The Macmillan Support and Information Centre is based on the ground floor of the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, Huntley Street. It provides a relaxed and informal space where patients and their families and friends can ask questions and talk through their concerns with specialist staff. The team offers support at any stage of a patient’s experience with cancer.
Visitors can access a range of information resources, including leaflets and booklets. Patients can also be referred to appropriate services such as complementary therapy, dietitians and the psychological and emotional care team.
There is also a programme of supportive activities on offer to help patients manage the effects of their treatment and meet other people who have shared similar experiences.
Visiting the Macmillan Support and Information Centre does not require an appointment, and the team aim to ensure that visitors are seen as quickly as possible.
