Cancer services

Cancer and diagnostics at SASH are delivered through multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) comprising consultants, dedicated clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and other specialist staff for specific cancers, including CUP (cancer of unknown primary), gynaecological, haematology, head and neck, lower GI (colorectal), lung, neurological (brain), ophthalmological, skin, breast, upper GI and urological cancers.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Consultations for chemotherapy and radiotherapy are provided within the Trust. Some chemotherapy is delivered locally at East Surrey Hospital, and some at the St Luke’s Cancer Centre. Radiotherapy is currently delivered at St Luke’s Cancer Centre.

New cancer diagnosis

All patients with a new cancer diagnosis are seen in the next available clinic and are fully supported from the outset by cancer nurse specialists. Where a patient has been given a diagnosis of cancer, the patient’s general practitioner (GP) is informed of the diagnosis by the end of the following working day.

Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)

The CNS for the specific type of cancer is a patient’s key worker and will see them when they are given the initial diagnosis or at a subsequent nurse led clinic. The primary role of the CNS is to give specialist support to patients. They provide both verbal and written information about the specific cancer, its treatment options and local or national support groups. They will also give their contact details for patients to telephone them as required and provide on-going support.

Information leaflets and booklets are available in all outpatient areas of the hospital.

Cancer care never stands still and SASH is constantly reviewing its services in order to deliver the best care possible ensuring that we support both the patient and family with compassion along their journey.