Cancer services
Our specialist cancer teams work together to deliver compassionate, high quality care for patients, their families and carers.
Last updated: 19 October 2023
Oncology is the branch of medicine which refers to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. At our hospitals we call these cancer services.
Our cancer care is provided by a multi-disciplinary team of doctors (oncologists), specialist nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, radiologists, pathologists and administrative staff.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): updates to our service
All cancer treatment and services are continuing as usual, but maintaining patient safety is a priority and changes may be necessary as the situation evolves. For example, your specialist teams may encourage phone consultation rather than seeing you in person, to minimise any risk to you.
Check advice for cancer patients concerned about coronavirus.
Contacts
- Oncology Reception: 0300 422 4028 (To check appointment times and transport. Opening Hours : 8am – 6pm)
- Oncology General Office: 0300 422 4040 / 2392 / 3895
- Chemotherapy Booking Office: 0300 422 3366
- Radiotherapy Booking Office: 0300 422 4471
- Radiotherapy at Cheltenham Oncology Centre: 0300 422 4147
- Oncology Outpatients Booking Office: 0300 422 4027 / 3823 (for non-treatment appointments)
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment used to kill cancer cells, which prevents them from growing or spreading. Chemotherapy is carried out in the Oncology Centre at Cheltenham General Hospital.
Before you start your chemotherapy, you will be given the chance to attend a chemotherapy information session, which includes:
- an overview of what you need to know about chemotherapy
- an individual talk with a chemotherapy nurse
- an introduction to the FOCUS support centre
- a clinical appointment (blood, height, weight, blood pressure and temperature checks)
- information on scalp cooling
You can find out more about chemotherapy and common side effects on the NHS.UK website.
If you feel unwell on the day of your treatment, contact the chemotherapy helpline on 0300 422 3444 (open 24 hours a day).
Mobile Chemotherapy Unit (MCU)
The Mobile Chemotherapy Unit (MCU) is a purpose built vehicle that provides chemotherapy treatment to outpatients in Gloucestershire.
The unit is supported by the national cancer charity Hope for Tomorrow and travels to hospitals in Gloucestershire 4 days a week:
| Tewkesbury Hospital | Tuesdays |
|---|---|
| Dilke Hospital | Wednesdays |
| Stroud Hospital | Thursdays |
| Cirencester Hospital | Fridays |
All of the MCU locations have free and accessible parking and the use of outpatient waiting facilities, so you can bring family and friends.
Who can get treatment on the MCU?
It depends on the chemotherapy you’re receiving, but this will be discussed with you at our pre-chemotherapy appointment with the chemotherapy nurse.
You will receive your first treatment in the Oncology Centre at Cheltenham General Hospital, but the MCU gives you the option to have further treatments closer to home.
Contact information
If you feel unwell on the day of your treatment, contact the Chemotherapy Helpline on 0300 422 3444 (24 hours).
If you have any questions about your MCU appointment or travel arrangements, contact the Chemotherapy Booking Office on 0300 422 3366.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is provided for patients at our Oncology Centre at Cheltenham and dedicated unit in Hereford.
Please visit our main radiotherapy page for further details.
Rare Cancers
We provide care and treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with a rare cancer.
We see patients who have had a diagnosis of:
- Neuroendocrine Tumours
- Sarcoma
Rare cancers may take longer to diagnose than more common cancers. We know getting information about a rare cancer can be difficult, but you will be supported by the cancer team so you will be informed about treatment choices and any side effects you may experience.
You will be further supported by our Macmillan Rare Cancer Nurse Specialists, Donna Norman and Julie Ford. They will be your key workers and a point of contact throughout your cancer journey.
If you have a rare cancer, you may need to travel to a specialist centre to see doctors who have experience in that type of cancer. Some of your treatment may be in the specialist centre or may be carried out nearer to home.
We have close working relationships with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham for neuroendocrine tumours as well as the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) in Birmingham for sarcomas.
Further information
Useful resources and support
The Focus Support and Information Centre
Our FOCUS Support Centre is located in the Outpatient waiting area in the heart of the Oncology Centre in Cheltenham General Hospital.
The Focus Centre Team are funded by donations to Focus, the charitable fund for the Gloucestershire Oncology Centre, which also funds the Wig clinic, parking permits, specialist equipment and improvements to facilities over and above those provided on the NHS.
The team are there for our patients at every step; from a diagnosis of cancer to advice during and beyond their treatment. The Centre staff work alongside the clinical team and offer daily support of pre-chemotherapy information sessions together with practical and emotional support and advice to patients and their families and carers.
Drop-in times: Monday-Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
For more information about Focus Support Centre please contact the team by emailing: ali.williams2@nhs.net or calling on: 0300 422 4414.
Maggie's Centre Cheltenham
Maggie's provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends.Built in the grounds of NHS hospitals but run by an independent charity, Maggie’s Centres complement the work of the NHS. At Maggie’s Cheltenham, our specialist staff offer one-to-one advice as well as group sessions, workshops and courses aimed at helping to address the physical and psychological impact of living with cancer.
- Drop-in times: Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm
- Tel: 01242 250611
- Email: cheltenham@maggiescentres.org
- More information is available on the Maggie's Cheltenham website
Hereford Radiotherapy Unit
- Radiotherapy at Hereford: 01432 355444 (main switchboard).
View parking and travel information for Hereford Radiotherapy Unit on the Wye Valley NHS Trust website.