Systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) is an umbrella term for drug treatments that are used to treat cancer and can include:
SACT can be administered intravenously (directly into the veins), subcutaneously (under the skin), or orally (in the mouth).
Some treatment regimens maybe a combination of these.
The Chemotherapy Day Unit (CDU) in West wing, C252 delivers SACT Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm.
CDU is a spacious unit that consists of a large reception area with an information space and television. The treatment area has 19 treatment chairs and one bed space. The chairs recline for comfort.
Once you have been referred for SACT by your oncologist or haematologist you will be contacted by our chemotherapy navigator. They will schedule you for a pre-assessment appointment and confirm your first treatment date.
The Chemotherapy Day Unit (CDU) on the ground floor of the Carlingford Centre delivers SACT Monday to Friday between 8am and 6.30pm.
CDU is an open plan area divided into four treatment bays which are mixed sex consisting of 22 treatment chairs and two side rooms.
Once you have been referred to SACT by your oncologist or haematologist, you will be contacted by our patient pathway navigator who will allocate an appointment for a pre-assessment.
At your pre-assessment appointment you will be seen by a senior nurse who will show you around the unit. They will discuss the treatment you have been referred for including potential side effects, how to manage these, organise any tests that may be needed prior to your SACT e.g., blood tests, and answer any questions you may have relating to your planned treatment.
It may be helpful to bring someone with you to this appointment.
If you are having intravenous SACT the nurse will look at your veins to make sure that they are okay for the planned treatment. If they are not, you may be referred for a central venous access device (CVAD)
Scalp cooling is available for patients that are suitable, and this will be discussed with you at your pre-assessment appointment.
At the pre-assessment appointment you will meet with a senior nurse who will discuss your treatment plan with you including potential side effects, how to manage these, organise any tests that may be needed prior to your treatment and answer any questions that you have regarding your cancer diagnosis and treatment. It may be helpful to bring someone with you to this appointment.
At this appointment you will also be given a 24hour contact number to call should you feel unwell at any time throughout your planned treatment. We will also provide you with details of other support available.
If you are having intravenous SACT the nurse will look at your veins to make sure that they are okay for the planned treatment. If they are not, you may be referred for a central venous access device (CVAD).
Scalp cooling is available for patients that are suitable, and this will be discussed with you at your pre-assessment appointment.
Refreshments are available for the duration of your treatment; you will be offered a sandwich if your visit coincides with lunchtime. You may bring your own food and drink but please avoid strong smelling foods as this may make other patients feel sick. Please let us know at your pre assessment if you have any special dietary needs.
If you are going to bring a digital device to watch or listen to music/films etc. please bring a set of headphones with you to avoid disturbing others.
There are plenty of accessible toilets available in both the reception and treatment areas.
If you need any help, please ask a member of our team.
The team that will be looking after you specialise in the care of patients receiving SACT and include:
The nursing team is led by the Macmillan nurse consultant for SACT and supported by a team of registered nurses and healthcare support workers who have expertise in the care of patients undergoing SACT including the administration of SACT, managing side effects, care of CVAD’s, cannulation and providing general support whilst you are under our care.
We have a staff grade doctor who is available for any urgent enquiries.
We have a team of receptionists who will greet you on arrival and arrange future appointments.
We have a team of volunteers who are on hand to ensure your comfort by offering refreshments and a friendly chat.
The team that will be looking after you are led by a nurse consultant for SACT. All registered nurses working in the department are experts in the care of patients undergoing SACT. They are supported by healthcare support workers who are all here to look after you during your visit to the department.
The team consists of:
Chemotherapy Day Unit triage, Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm – call 01245 514682.
Out of hours triage – call 07979 801 342.
CDU reception – call 01245 516496.
Blood test appointments - visit www.mse.nhs.uk/blood-tests .
Macmillan Nurse Consultant/SACT lead nurse – call 01245 514575.
Chemotherapy Day Unit triage, Monday to Friday between 8am and 6.30pm – call 01702-385047 and use option 3.
Out of hours triage – call 07979 801342.
CDU reception – call 0300 443 0348 using option 1.
Blood test appointments – visit www.mse.nhs.uk/blood-tests.
Chemotherapy - What it is, types, treatment and side effects - https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/types-of-treatment/chemotherapy
Cancer Research UK - https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy
PICC line for chemo | Macmillan Cancer Support - https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/types-of-treatment/chemotherapy/picc-lines
Welcome to the home of scalp cooling (coldcap.com) - https://coldcap.com
Cancer information and support - https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support