Cancer investigations and treatments

The team of surgeons, oncologists, haematologists, specialist oncology and haematology nurses, and pharmacists work together to deliver personalised programmes of treatment and care for a wide range of cancers. Services include surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and a range of supportive treatments. Should radiotherapy be required, we have established links with trusted expert providers in the field.

Our expert team specialises in treating a wide range of solid tumours including bowel, breast, lung, prostate, bladder and skin cancers as well as a variety of haematology conditions including lymphoma, leukaemia and myeloma.

The overriding aim is to provide patients with the highest standard of treatment, expert information and personal support through each stage of their treatment, whilst ensuring they feel safe, confident and reassured at all times. Ongoing support is available when the patient leaves the hospital and contact numbers are provided for obtaining further advice.

The team also has links to the Macmillan Support Centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital for auxiliary services and supportive treatments as well as the Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven which offers a range of supportive services for patients diagnosed with breast cancer in the Worcestershire region.

Facilities

The Woodland Suite consists of three individual treatment rooms specially designed to create a light, spacious and comfortable atmosphere. Our aim is to provide the highest quality of individual care in a relaxing and comfortable environment. Our facilities include:

• up-to-date technology and equipment
• in-house pharmacy service
• on-site specialist imaging facilities, including MRI and CT scanning; X-ray; ultrasound; and mammography
• scalp cooling service

The Woodland Suite also has easy access to the Imaging Centre on the ground floor where you can have any diagnostic scans that are required.

Treatment programmes

Care in the Oncology and Haematology Suite begins the moment the patient meets with one of the specialist chemotherapy nurses. The nurse will discuss what is involved with the prescribed treatment, how to manage any side effects and provide written information packs regarding the specific chemotherapy regime. If there are any queries or concerns while at home, patients can use the contact numbers provided. These numbers provide patients with 24-hour contact to medical and nursing staff that are skilled and knowledgeable in the management of patients receiving chemotherapy.

Scalp cooling

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a known side effect of some chemotherapy drugs. Scalp cooling can be used in certain circumstances to reduce the amount of hair lost during treatment. It involves the use of a refrigerated scalp cooling system which is applied to the head during chemotherapy and works by reducing the amount of blood flow to the scalp, thus decreasing the quantity of the chemotherapy that reaches the hair follicles. Even if you have scalp cooling, your hair is still likely to get thinner and some people still lose a lot of hair.

If any untoward symptoms are experienced, a GP should be contacted immediately. Symptoms may include (please note this list is not exhaustive):

• unexplained significant weight loss (5kg/10lb over 8 weeks)
• a lump anywhere on the body
• changes in bowel habit that lasts for more than six weeks
• a cough or hoarseness that lasts for more than three weeks

If considered necessary, your GP will refer you for further investigations which may include physical examinations, blood tests, scans or biopsies. If cancer is diagnosed an immediate referral will be made to an oncologist or haematologist who will recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.

Treatment funding

Most medical insurance providers will cover the cost of chemotherapy. Patients are advised to contact their insurer before commencing treatment.

For patients without private medical insurance, Spire Self-Pay provides a fixed price for your treatment in advance, should you wish to self-fund your treatment.

For more information on Spire Self-Pay, please contact the specialist advisors on 01905 905 215.

Macmillan have awarded Spire South Bank's Oncology and Haematology Suite with the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM). MQEM is a detailed quality framework used for assessing whether cancer care environments meet the standards required by people living with cancer. 

In meeting the MQEM standards, we are demonstrating to the users of our environment that it is:

• Welcoming and accessible to all
• Respectful of people's privacy and dignity
• Supportive to users' comfort and well-being
• Giving choice and control to people using your service 
• Listening to the voice of the user

Supporting services

Through established links with the Worcester Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre a wide range of supportive options are available to patients. For more information, please visit the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre’s website.