Lung cancer: The service

University Hospital employs a Multidisciplinary Team who will treat and care for you throughout your journey. The Team consists of Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Respiratory Physicians, Oncologists, Radiographers, Palliative Care Nurses, Patient Pathway Coordinators, MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team) Coordinators, and a Clinical Nurse Specialist (your Key Worker).

Having the input of staff from a variety of clinical backgrounds helps give a rounded, complete view of each patient’s case, and therefore results in better care.

We understand the complex emotions and pressures that come with a cancer diagnoses and the subsequent treatment. We therefore take every measure possible to ensure you are made as comfortable as possible during your treatment. For example, the services we provide include: 

• Quiet Rooms: These are rooms where we can speak to you in peace, away from the hubbub of the wards. You will usually be taken here whilst given your diagnosis, so that you can concentrate properly on what is being said to you, and discuss sensitive matters in private with your clinician. A Consultant will sit with you and explain your diagnosis, along with possible treatment options. They will be accompanied by a Clinical Nurse Specialist, who is there to support you and talk to you about your feelings.

• Private Appointments: We have a facility which allows you to book a private appointment with your Doctor/Consultant. The Quiet Rooms can be reserved for this purpose, and your family and friends are welcome to attend as well. A Nurse will book the appointment for you on request.

   

• North Staffs Lung Cancer Support Group: The group meets at the Quaker Meeting House in Miller Street, Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire, on the last Wednesday of every month. The atmosphere is very friendly and informal, and there are always plenty of refreshments such as tea, coffee and biscuits on hand. The group provides an opportunity for patients, family members and friends to meet up with other people in similar situations and share their experiences and feelings, thereby giving support to one another. University Hospital’s Clinical Nurse Specialist (your Key Worker) also attends to give advice, information and support.

• Carers Information Folder. We have a special folder full of information for Carers, such as what support groups are available, and where to go for benefits advice. This is available for you or a family member/friend to have a look through while you wait for your appointment.

• Patient Information Leaflets: These are available for you to take, and contain information on your type of cancer, the treatments available, and advice on benefits and support groups/useful contacts.

• Nurse Led Clinic: This takes place in Central Outpatients Department, on Hartshill Road, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire.

• Thoracic Surgeons Onsite: Unlike some organization, we will have Thoracic Surgeons onsite at our new Cancer Centre, due to open in July 2009.

• Close Links with Key Organisations: For example Brighter Futures, (a social Landlord), who help to promote independence and integration back into society following major treatment, and the NSLA (North Staffordshire Landlords Association).