St Mary’s Hospital is a designated Cancer Unit and is part of the Wessex Cancer Alliance.
Our trust benefits from strong links with two cancer centres, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.
St Mary’s Hospital does not have a specific inpatient oncology ward but does provide an outpatient Chemotherapy Service.
We have resident full time haematologists with all other oncology support being delivered by visiting oncologists from the cancer centres. Some surgical activity is undertaken locally by the relevant Multi Disciplinary Teams where surgery is common and non complex. Complex surgery is referred to the appropriate cancer centre for treatment and all radiotherapy is given at the cancer centres.
Acute oncology assessment is provided 7 days a week.
Our Cancer Services Department at St Mary’s Hospital consists of the Cancer Management Team, the Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Team, the Chemotherapy Unit, and the Cancer Pathways Administration Team.
Multidisciplinary teams for each tumour site meet weekly. They discuss treatment plans for individual patients diagnosed with cancer and each team has a dedicated Clinical Nurse Specialist CNS for personalised care. They work with other team members to ensure that the best possible care is given, including linking with the Wessex Cancer Trust Newport office.
Patient specific information is provided by all nurse specialists, who are contactable Monday to Friday on their dedicated line, or by phoning switchboard on: 01983 822099. They can give support, provide advice, information, and practical help, with regard to investigation, treatment, and follow up care.
All patients travelling to the cancer centres for chemotherapy or radiotherapy are given written and verbal information with regard to travel, claims, and accommodation available whilst they are receiving mainland treatment.
We support the local Open Umbrella Cancer Support Group which covers all cancers and meets regularly. This group contributes to the planning and assessment of local services and members are greatly valued. Contact the Open Umbrella Cancer Support Group on: 01983 761610 or email: openumbrella23
Our trust continues to engage at network level to ensure the configuration of services and patient pathways are in keeping with national guidance. The physical barrier of our geographical isolation remains a challenge, however, we are committed to ensure appropriate services are delivered locally.
