Clinical trials team
These doctors, scientists and nurses co-ordinate the many clinical trials that are under way in the Oncology Department. They collect information about how well patients have tolerated treatments, and their long-term results.
Dieticians
Your disease/condition or its treatment (or just the anxiety of being in hospital) might affect your appetite, and it is important for your health and well-being that you stay well nourished. Dieticians give dietary advice, and if necessary can arrange special diets or nutritional supplements. Please ask if you would like to see a dietician, or mention any worries to your nurse.
Doctors
The most-experienced doctors are called consultants (or honorary consultants if they are also carrying out research in the University). In the Oncology Centre, there are also a number of specialist registrars, senior house officers and house officers, who are responsible for the day-to-day care of patients on the wards and in the clinics. In clinic, you might be seen by a registrar rather than your consultant, depending on the consultant's availability.
Macmillan Nurses
Macmillan Nurses specialise in cancer care from the point of diagnosis onwards. They try to take away some of the myths associated with cancer and guide and support patients and their families through the various stages of their illness. There are more than 20 working in Cambridgeshire alone. They are funded by Macmillan Cancer Relief .
Medical physicists
Medical physicists supervise the radiotherapy facilities in the Oncology Centre, and assist in giving certain forms of radiotherapy.
Nurses
Nurses working within the Oncology Service Centre look after patients and their families or carers within the inpatient wards and the Outpatient Department. Nurses working within the inpatient wards are divided into teams and are responsible for providing care for those patients requiring admission to hospital for their treatment. Nurses working within the Outpatient Department are responsible for co-ordinating the outpatients clinics, administering chemotherapy and supervising other treatments within the Oncology Day Unit. A number of highly experienced nurses work within the Outpatient Department as specialist nurses or nurse practitioners.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists arrange the supply of medicines for inpatients and outpatients; they also prepare chemotherapy treatments. There is a special Chemotherapy Pharmacy in the Oncology Centre.
Phlebotomists
Phlebotomists (and nurses and doctors) take blood samples from patients on the wards and in outpatient clinics.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists work on the wards, maintaining your fitness and helping to overcome disability.
Radiographers
Radiotherapy treatment is given by radiographers. Each radiotherapy machine is operated by a team of radiographers who will assist and support you. Radiographers also operate the simulator, which is used for planning treatment.
Research nurses
Research nurses assist medical staff in the co-ordination of clinical trials. They ensure that patients are provided with adequate information to make an informed decision about their treatment, supervise some aspects of the treatment provided in the Department and also collect the information that is required by those responsible for administering clinical trials (including participating pharmaceutical companies).
Ward clerks
Ward clerks supervise patient records on the wards, and arrange follow-up appointments. |
