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
For assistance regarding clinic appointments you may contact the Respiratory secretaries on 01932 722305 / 723122.
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 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 possible side effects of the treatment and support services available to you.
We encourage patients to attend clinic appointments with a family member or friend for additional support.
Your Cancer Pathway
At Ashford and St Peter’s 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.
- Read more on our Personalised Care webpage
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: 01932 726494
Macmillan Support and Information
At St Peter’s 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
www.macmillan.org.uk
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.
Lung Cancer Support Group
Our Lung cancer support group provides essential emotional, practical, and social support for patients and families, providing a sense of community through reducing isolation and shared experiences. Our lung cancer support group is run by our Lung Clinical nurse specialist and Cancer support worker. All patients’, families and carers are welcome.
Please discuss with your CNS or call the Single Point of Contact support line on 01932 726856
Additional Support and Useful Contacts
Please visit our Additional Support page for more information.
The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
www.roycastle.org
Tel: 0800 358 7200
Macmillan Support / Cancer Bacup
www.macmillan.org.uk
Tel: 0808 808 0000
Cancer Research UK
www.cancerresearchuk.org
Tel: 0207 242 0200
British Lung Foundation
www.blf.org.uk
Tel: 0300 003 0555
Mesothelioma UK
www.mesothelioma.uk.com
Tel: 0800 169 2409
Surrey NHS Stop Smoking Quitline
www.healthysurrey.org.uk
Tel: 0845 602 3608
Department for Work and Pensions
www.dwp.gov.uk
Tel: 0800 882 200
Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire (SWSH) Cancer Network
www.swshcn.nhs.uk
Tel: 01483 783117
