when you come for treatment
People referred for chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other cancer drugs at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust can now watch short video guides to help them know what to expect. [Coming for Radiotherapy? Watch our virtual video tour instead.]
The videos were created after feedback that people often felt very nervous about coming for cancer treatment for the first time.
They feature nurses from The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s specialist treatment units in Aintree, Halton, Liverpool and Wirral explaining what will happen before, during and after their appointments as well as showing patients around the hospitals, how to get there and the free parking available.
The main presenter is Aisling McDaid, one of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s highly-trained chemotherapy nurses.
The videos explain:
- What happens when you come for pre-assessment before your first treatment session
- How different cancer drugs work and how they are given
- The team on the treatment unit and how they will care for you
- What to expect during treatment sessions
- Cool caps that people on some drugs may be offered to help reduce hair loss
- Catheters and lines – sometimes inserted to give treatment and take blood without needing needles every time
- How to manage possible side-effects – and the Hotline number that people can call for urgent advice if they feel unwell Support available and health checks throughout your treatment
As The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre provides care at hospitals across Cheshire and Merseyside, there are four versions of the film – one for each of its main treatment sites in Aintree, Halton, Liverpool and Wirral.
It means patients can see information specific to the hospital where they are being treated, including how to get there, the team caring for them and the facilities available. This local information is presented by the nurses in charge at each treatment unit.
What to expect when you come for treatment: Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - Liverpool
What to expect when you come for treatment: Delamere Unit, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - Wirral
What to expect when you come for treatment: Marina Dalglish Centre, Aintree
What to expect when you come for treatment: CANtreat, Halton
Different types of cancer treatment - what they are and how they work
Carla Taylor, Divisional Nurse Director for Networked Services at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said:
“Providing our patients with the best cancer care means thinking about every aspect of the experience – the little things that help people feel really comfortable and well supported, as well as the most advanced treatments.
“Starting cancer treatment can be daunting – it’s a new world for most people, with lots of information to take in – so we are always looking at how we can make it easier.
We hope these videos will reassure people and reduce any nerves by showing them where they will be treated, who will be looking after them and what to expect every step of the way. We also want people to know we are here for them and it’s okay to ask us any questions they have or to let us know if they are worried about anything at all.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre provides the specialist cancer service for the 2.4m people of Cheshire and Merseyside, along with surrounding areas including the Isle of Man and parts of south Lancashire and North Wales.
It has several treatment units across the region offering chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies or other cancer drugs – a general term for these treatments is systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT).
This means that, wherever possible, patients can be treated close to home. The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre also offers a ‘treatment at home or work’ service for patients on some cancer drugs.
