University College Hospital
A guide to the specialist
centre for haematology
Information for patients, relatives and carers
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Contents
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Introduction
The Haematology Service at UCLH
Specialist multidisciplinary team (MDT)
Members of the MDT (your care team)
The haematology MDT meeting
What happens after the MDT meeting?
The haematology telephone line
Inpatient care
Haematology Day Care and Ambulatory Care Unit
Young adult service
Holistic needs assessment
Clinical trials
Communicating with you and your GP
The Macmillan Support and Information Centre
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
The interpreting service
How to get here
Additional information
Contact details and map
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If you would like this booklet in another language or format, or
require the services of an interpreter, contact us on
020 3447 8663. We will do our best to meet your needs.
1. Introduction
This booklet provides information about the haematology service at
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
(UCLH). We treat blood and lymphatic cancers as well as other
haematology disorders.
UCLH is one of the top performing trusts in the country and the
treatment of cancer is one of its key clinical priorities. In 2012, it
opened the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre,
a £100million state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest
technology to diagnose and treat cancer. The Cancer Centre is
located next to the UCL Cancer Institute, the hub of cancer
research at one of the world’s leading universities, University
College London (UCL). This unique partnership enables research
advances to be translated into patient care as quickly as possible.
It is important to note that we treat a large number of patients in
the Cancer Centre who do not have cancer but are living with
other haematological conditions. This is because all of our
outpatient and day care services as well as other treatment
facilities for these patients are located in the Centre.
2. The haematology service at UCLH
In autumn 2015, the haematology service at the Royal Free
London NHS Foundation Trust will transfer to UCLH. This means
that your treatment and follow-up appointments will take place at
UCLH rather than at the Royal Free. The consultants, clinical
nurse specialists (CNSs) and many of the other staff who cared for
you at the Royal Free will also transfer to UCLH with you.
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We recognise that transferring your care to a different hospital can be
a stressful time. This booklet aims to give you an overview of the
expert care you can expect to receive as a patient at UCLH, and
introduces different types of healthcare professionals you may meet
along the way.
Our specialist treatments include:
•
apheresis – we have the largest apheresis service in the country
available for adults and children 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year. Apheresis is a highly specialised treatment which we use
to collect or remove particular blood cells
•
chemotherapy – this can take place on the second floor of the
Cancer Centre where we have a comfortable chemotherapy
lounge, or on one of our inpatient wards
•
monoclonal antibody treatments also known as a targeted
therapy because it “targets” specific cancer cells
•
emergency chemotherapy
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•
specialist radiotherapy services – in 2018 UCLH will become one
of only two centres in the country to offer proton beam therapy, a
cutting-edge radiotherapy treatment that uses a precision highenergy beam of particles to destroy cancer cells
•
stem cell transplantation – we carry out both autologous stem
cell transplants where the patient’s own stem cells are used,
and allogeneic transplantation where donor cells are used
•
a combined lymphoma/HIV clinic for patients with lymphoma who
are living with HIV
•
PET/CT and PET/MRI imaging
•
complex inpatient treatments – we are proud to provide
expert nursing care on our haematology and oncology wards
•
an active clinical trials programme, enabling access to new
therapies for our patients
We also have an infectious diseases ward and one of the biggest
intensive care units (ICU) in Europe. These facilities help us deliver
the best possible care for our patients safely.
Please note that this leaflet is not designed to explain your
diagnosis, and you should have received additional written
information about this. If you are not clear about your diagnosis or
have any questions or concerns, please speak to your nurse or
doctor.
It is important that you understand what your treatment involves.
Please feel free to ask questions about any aspect of your care plan
and we will do our best to give you clear answers. We will also give
you written information about your diagnosis and treatment to
support the discussions you will have with members of our team. If
there is anything you do not understand or if you have any questions
about the written information, please ask us.
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3. Specialist multidisciplinary team (MDT)
An MDT is a team of professionals who will be caring for and
supporting you throughout your treatment at UCLH. This team
consists of experts in different areas of medicine and care, such
as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, speech and language
therapists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
4. Members of the MDT
Haematology consultants
They are expert doctors in the treatment of cancer and other blood
disorders.
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)
Clinical nurse specialists are nurses with specialist training and
extensive experience. They offer advice and support throughout
your diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
Your CNS may also act as your key worker during your
treatment, which means they will coordinate your care and be the
consistent point of contact for you, your family and any
professionals involved in your care. They can be contacted
between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday (excluding bank
holidays) via the haematology telephone line: 020 3447 7359.
The Macmillan cancer support worker
The Macmillan cancer support worker works alongside the clinical
nurse specialists and provides additional support to patients with
blood and lymphatic cancers. The support worker will meet you at
diagnosis, show you around the hospital and explain the services we
offer. They will also support you during your hospital stay, and will be
a consistent and additional point of contact for you.
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The research team
As a large research centre, UCLH runs a range of clinical studies
aimed at improving knowledge, treatment and outcomes in cancer
care. Your doctor will talk to you about whether you are suitable for
inclusion in a research study.
If you choose to participate, you will be supported by a research
nurse or practitioner. They will perform a key worker role
similar to the clinical nurse specialist (see above).
Haematology pharmacist
A haematology pharmacist works alongside your healthcare team
and will advise you on any medicines or chemotherapy prescribed
for you. You will meet them in the clinic, in Day Care or on the ward.
Other members of the MDT
There are other specialists, such as physiotherapists, occupational
therapists, social workers, counsellors and dietitians, who are part of
the extended MDT. You may be referred to these specialists if
appropriate.
For staff profiles please visit our website
www.uclh.nhs.uk/blooddiseases
5. The haematology MDT meeting
The MDT meets every week to discuss the diagnosis and treatment
plan of individual patients. They ensure that each patient is given
the same high standard of care and has the most appropriate
investigations and treatment.
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6. What happens after the MDT meeting?
After your diagnosis and treatment plan have been discussed in the
MDT meeting, the recommendations are recorded in your notes. It
is likely that an appointment will be made with your consultant
and/or CNS to discuss this further or you may be called to have
further tests. You may bring a friend or relative with you to any of
these appointments. Sometimes it may be more appropriate to refer
you to another specialist team. If this is the case, we will contact
you to advise you of this.
7. The haematology telephone line
We have a dedicated telephone line available to all patients between
09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday. It is managed by the
haematology secretarial and administrative staff. You can call this
number if you wish to speak to your CNS or leave a message for
them.
You can also call this number if you would like to:
•
confirm an appointment
•
cancel an appointment at short notice
•
ask about tests, their timing or the results of tests
•
speak to a member of the research team
•
discuss any other queries.
The haematology telephone line: 020 3447 7359
Out-of-hours advice (emergency calls at evenings, weekends
and bank holidays): 07852 220 900
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8. Inpatient care
There are four haematology wards at UCLH, including one ward for
young adults. These wards are led by a senior nurse called a charge
nurse or ward sister.
The senior nurse manages a large nursing team specialising in the
care of haematology patients:
 receiving complex chemotherapy and radiotherapy
 undergoing stem cell transplants
 who are unwell
The nursing teams on the wards are assisted by student nurses,
nursing assistants, housekeepers and administrators.
The medical team caring for you throughout your hospital stay will
visit you and review your care during a daily ward round.
Please note: Doctors working on the wards rotate regularly but we
strive to ensure continuity of care from both the nursing and senior
medical staff.
In the event that there are no beds available on the haematology
wards, patients are sometimes cared for on another ward until a
haematology bed is free. If this happens, the haematology medical
team will visit you on a daily basis and monitor you regularly.
Hospital switchboard: 0845 155 5000 or 020 3456 7890
Ward T13 North extension numbers: 71303/71325/71387
Ward T14 South extension numbers: 71400/71486/71491
Ward T16 extension numbers: 71602/71686
Address: University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, London
NW1 2BU
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9. Haematology Day Care and Ambulatory Care Unit
Some haematology patients have some or all of their tests and
treatment as outpatients in the Haematology Day Care located in the
Cancer Centre. The two Day Care floors are led by senior nurses
who manage a large team of specially trained nurses and support
staff. There is also a dedicated doctor called a specialist registrar.
Day Care is divided into two parts: Supportive Day Care and
Chemotherapy Day Care.
Supportive Day Care offers procedures such as blood product
transfusions and bone marrow tests, and the assessment and care of
unwell patients. If you become unwell at home during normal working
hours and live nearby, your CNS may advise you to come to the
Supportive Day Care for assessment.
Chemotherapy Day Care manages most chemotherapy
administration.
Some patients are able to receive treatment which would normally be
inpatient based in an outpatient setting, while staying in our patient
hotel nearby, or at home if they live locally. This is provided in our
Ambulatory Care Unit located in the Cancer Centre.
If the doctor or clinical nurse specialist feel you would be able to
have some treatment in Ambulatory or Day Care, they will
discuss this with you.
Chemotherapy Day Care (second floor): 020 3447 9333/3893
Ambulatory Care (second floor): 020 3447 8695
Supportive Day Care (fourth floor): 020 3447 1808/9702
Address: University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre,
Huntley Street, London WC1E 6AG
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The chemotherapy suite in the Cancer Centre
10. Young adult service
There is a dedicated young adult service at UCLH. If you are 24 or
younger, you will be allocated a CLIC Sargent Support Worker.
CLIC Sargent is a cancer charity for young people and their
families that provide practical, financial and emotional support.
Your clinic appointments will take place in the Teenage and Young
Adult Unit located on the third floor of the Cancer Centre.
11. Holistic needs assessment
We know that having tests and treatment can affect your quality
of life in different ways. To help with this, shortly after diagnosis
we will offer you a ‘holistic needs assessment’ (HNA) which will
involve questions relating to your general wellbeing, social
situation and support network. It will also help to identify any
particular issues or concerns you may have to ensure that we
are offering you the most appropriate care plan.
If you have not been offered an HNA and feel you may benefit from
it, please speak to your key worker.
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12. Clinical trials
A clinical trial is a carefully designed research study looking at
the effects of a procedure or treatment. It can be carried out in
the following areas:
•
Screening: to find ways of detecting cancer at an earlier stage
•
Diagnosing cancer: looking at new tests or scans that detect
cancer in a better way
•
Treatments:
•
treatments with new drugs or new combinations of drugs
•
other types of treatment, such as radiotherapy or surgery
•
new ways of giving treatment
•
Controlling symptoms or side effects: reducing these by
using new drugs or complementary therapies
•
Genetics: to help learn more about the role genes play in cancer
Clinical trials aim to find out if a new treatment or procedure:
•
•
•
•
is safe
has side effects
is more effective than the treatment that is currently used
helps you feel better
We have a number of clinical trials in haematology looking at
different treatment approaches. Your doctor may invite you to take
part in a trial if you meet its criteria, and explain what it entails.
It is entirely up to you whether or not you wish to get involved. If you
decide not to participate, or if you choose to withdraw at any time,
this will not affect your treatment or care in any way.
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13. Communicating with you and your GP
Your GP will be included in all correspondence regarding your
diagnosis, treatment and care. You will also be automatically copied
into this correspondence.
If there is anything you do not understand in the letters that you
receive, please bring them with you to your next appointment and
we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
14. The Macmillan Support and Information Centre
The Macmillan Support and Information Centre is based on the
ground floor of the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer
Centre. It offers a range of supportive care services in a welcoming
and informal environment, including complementary therapy, the
wig and scarf tying service, welfare and benefits service, and the
psychological and emotional care service.
You and your family and friends can also talk through your
questions or worries with the support and information specialists at
any stage of your diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. There is
a programme of courses, workshops and groups, including a
haematology support group, to support you and your loved ones
when you need it. These activities are often a good opportunity to
meet other people who have shared similar experiences.
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There are a range of resources available in the information library,
including leaflets and booklets. The team will also be happy to
signpost you to other sources of information or help with an internet
search.
You do not need to have an appointment to visit the Macmillan
Support and Information Centre and the team will see you as quickly
as possible.
Address: University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre,
Ground Floor, Huntley Street, London WC1E 6AG
Opening hours: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Telephone: 020 3447 8663
Email: [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter @supportandinfo
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15. Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS is a patient-friendly, easy-to-access service designed to
provide a personal contact point to assist patients, relatives and
carers. If you have a problem that you have been unable to resolve,
PALS can help you.
The UCLH PALS office is located on the ground floor of University
College Hospital and is open from 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday.
Telephone: 020 3447 3042
Email: [email protected]
16. The interpreting service
This service is for patients who speak little or no English, or are deaf
or hard of hearing and needing communication support.
We usually use telephone interpreting which ensures that over 170
languages and dialects are readily available 24 hours per day, 365
days per year. However, we recognise that there will be occasions
when telephone interpreting may not be suitable. If needed, your
clinical team will arrange a face-to-face interpreter, British Sign
Language (BSL) or DeafBlind Communicator.
Please let your clinical team know if you require an interpreter. If you
are coming for your treatment from another hospital, please ask your
local team to let us know in advance that you need a face-to-face
interpreter.
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17. How to get here
We recommend that you travel to University College Hospital and the
University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre by public
transport. There are no allocated parking facilities at either site.
By bus:
Tottenham Court Road - Northbound (Warren Street station) numbers 10, 73, 24, 29, 134
Gower Street - Southbound (University Street) numbers 10, 24, 29, 73, 134
Euston Road - numbers 18, 27, 30, 88
By tube:
Warren Street (Northern/Victoria Lines)
Euston Square (Circle/Hammersmith & City/Metropolitan Lines)
For further travel information please visit Transport for London (TfL)
at www.tfl.gov.uk
Blue Badge
If you are a Blue Badge holder, you can apply for a parking
dispensation. You will need to come into the hospital bringing your
appointment letter, Blue Badge (this must belong to you or your
guardian) and your car registration number.
If you have received a follow-up appointment, you can arrange your
next dispensation before leaving the hospital, provided that you have
your appointment letter, Blue Badge and car registration number.
Congestion zone
Please be aware that the Cancer Centre and University College
Hospital are in the congestion charge zone. For details of how to pay,
contact Congestion Charging at Transport for London (TfL) on
0845 900 1234 or at www.cclondon.com
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If you are a Blue Badge holder, please refer to the website for details
on how to register.
Hospital transport
Patients who are medically unfit to travel by any other means may
qualify for hospital transport. To check if you qualify, your clinical
condition and mobility will be assessed by a member of a nurse-led
assessment team.
If you wish to be assessed, you can contact the transport
assessment team on 020 3456 7010 as soon as you receive your
appointment.
If you need help to apply for hospital transport, a friend, relative or
carer can call on your behalf.
Can I claim a refund of my hospital travel costs?
If you are travelling to the hospital for NHS treatment under the care
of a consultant, you may be able to claim a refund. You can make a
claim if you receive any one of the following benefits:
•
Income Support
•
Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit only
•
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
•
Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
•
Working Tax Credit (exemption card)
•
Child Tax Credit (exemption card)
•
NHS low Income Scheme (HC2/HC3 form).
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How do I make a claim?
Collect a completed attendance slip from your clinic/ward reception
area and take it together with the documents below to the Cashiers’
Office on the ground floor of University College Hospital:
•
proof of your travel costs, such as tickets, travel receipts or
Oyster Card
•
proof that you receive one of the qualifying benefits
The claim will be validated by the cashier and if the documentation is
correct, payment will be made on the day.
All travel costs will be calculated based on the cheapest form of
transport.
If you have travelled by car, petrol costs are calculated on a “pence
per mile” rate, based on the distance between the hospital and your
home address.
For more information please visit our website www.uclh.nhs.uk
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18. Additional information
Free prescriptions
If you have cancer you are entitled to free prescriptions. Simply
pick up a FP92A form from your GP surgery, complete it and ask
your GP, hospital doctor or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) to sign it.
Financial help
Some patients are entitled to financial help and benefits. Please ask
your clinical nurse specialist if you think you may qualify, pop into
the Macmillan Support and Information Service, or phone the
Macmillan helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (open Monday to Friday
09:00 till 20:00).
Other sources of information
Please note: University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation
Trust cannot guarantee the quality of the information or advice
provided by outside organisations and charities.
For an up to date list of sources of information, service
information, patient experience and team profiles please see
our webpages www.uclh.nhs.uk/blooddiseases
Macmillan Cancer Support
Provides support and information on the practical, social and
financial effects of cancer for patients and those close to them:
www.macmillan.org.uk
0808 808 00 00
Cancer Research UK
Provides information about cancer, clinical trials and research
www.cancerhelp.org.uk
080 800 4040
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Space for notes and questions
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Space for notes and questions
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Space for notes and questions
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19. Contact details and map
University College Hospital: 235 Euston Road, London
NW1 2BU Macmillan Cancer Centre: Huntley Street,
London WC1E 6AG Switchboard: 020 3456 7890 or 0845
155 5000
Website: www.uclh.nhs.uk/blooddiseases
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First published: October 2015
Date last reviewed: October 2015
Date next review due: October 2016
Leaflet code: Leaflet code: UCLH/S&C/CD/HAEM/SPHAEMCENT-GUIDE/1
© University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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