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Lymphoma Department
Colchester Hospital
Tel: 01206 745 098

Welcome to the Lymphoma Team

ESNEFT lymphoma service

Our aim is to provide the highest quality care in a welcoming environment. We want you and your family to feel informed and understand what is happening.

You are welcome to ask for as much information and advice as you require about any aspect of your care. If there is anything you do not understand please do not hesitate to ask.

Your keyworker

Every person is allocated a keyworker who is usually the nurse specialist. This person will be your main point of contact throughout your experience and is here to help you and your family in the following ways:

• provide information about lymphoma in a way that can be understood
• explain treatment options and their side effects
• offer emotional support
• direct you to the most appropriate member of the hospital or community team depending on your specific needs
• where possible, ensure that your care is individualised to meet your specific needs.

The lymphoma team

Consultants

Other people who may be involved with your care

If you require treatment for your lymphoma, as well as the lymphoma team, other people will be involved with your care depending on your specific needs.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

The Mary Barron Suite Chemotherapy Unit manager is Vanessa Bradbury. Sonya Tankard is Radiotherapy Unit manager. Other members of these teams will be introduced if they need to be involved with your care.

Inpatient care

Inpatient care is provided on West Bergholt Ward at Colchester Hospital.

Oncology dietitian

If you have radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment, you may need advice from a dietitian. We can make a referral for you to be seen by the oncology dietitian on your next visit to either Mary Barron Suite or the Radiotherapy Department. If this not convenient, another time will be organised for you.

Oncology counsellor

If you find that you are struggling to cope with what is happening to you please contact Carl Badger Watts, who may be able to offer emotional or psychological support.

If you both feel that more formal counselling is required, your keyworker can refer you to Oncology counsellors Alan Trudgian or Roger Crellin.

Oncology outpatient physiotherapy

If you find that you are struggling to overcome fatigue or improve your general level of fitness, contact your keyworker, who can refer you to our physiotherapist, who runs an outpatient exercise programme for oncology patients.

Financial support

There is a Macmillan-funded information pod at Colchester Hospital, on the second floor near West  Bergholt Ward. They can assist you with all your questions around benefits and help you to complete any forms. Please drop in to make an appointment or alternatively you can phone:

Debbie Farthing, Macmillan information and support manager, on 01206 744 401 or 07919 558 585.

Lymphoma Support Group

This group meets on the third Tuesday of every month, 7 pm – 8.30 pm, at:
The Ark, Highwoods Methodist Church
Jack Andrews Drive
Highwoods
Colchester
CO4 9FF

If you require any further information, please contact the Lymphoma Association helpline on 0808 808 5555.

Patient user groups

The hospital runs a cancer user group. The purpose of this group is to involve service users in improving existing services and developing new ones. If you are interested in joining the group, please discuss with your keyworker.

Cultural or spiritual support

If you require support with either cultural or spiritual issues please discuss this with your keyworker, who can advise you where to go for assistance.

Useful contacts

• Macmillan Cancer Support (Opens in a new window) Freephone 0808 808 0000
• Department for Work and Pensions, Tel 01206 288 900 or 01255 233 200
• Blue Badge Scheme, Tel 0845 603 7630

Comments, compliments or complaints about your care

Please raise any concerns in the ward or department you are in. Ask to speak with the ward sister, matron or department manager. If your concerns cannot be resolved or you wish to make a formal complaint, please look at the PALS (Patient Advice & Liaison Service) page, call PALS on 0800 783 7328 or pick up a PALS leaflet at the hospital.

Your views

If you or a family member has recently been in Colchester Hospital, you can tell us about your experience by searching for ‘Colchester’ on the NHS Choices website (Opens in a new window), by writing to us or by filling in a ‘Friends & Family Test’ questionnaire.

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