About our Williams Day Unit treatment suite

In the unit we administer treatments to patients with a variety of cancers. On a daily basis between 40 and 60 patients are treated with many different types of anti-cancer and supportive treatments.

We have a very experienced team of nurses and healthcare assistants, overseen by the clinical nurse manager for chemotherapy. We know that this is a very difficult time for you and always have your best interests at heart. We will administer your treatment safely, expertly and with the minimum of discomfort possible. We are here to help and support you throughout your treatment journey and you are always welcome to ask us any questions.

On arrival, a nurse will explain everything to you and guide you through what is going to happen for your treatment day. The nurse will be able to answer any questions you may have to help put your mind at ease and allow you to be comfortable throughout your treatment. You will be provided with the ‘Your treatment record’ information booklet.

Patients may feel overwhelmed during treatment. Created by professionals and patients, this new tool helps everyone stay on track. It includes information on treatment types, appointment and test results log, space to record side effects, and much more.

Watch the Cancer Research UK guide to using the treatment records

Staff at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust have created a video to show patients how to use the treatment records effectively.

Central Venous Access (CVA)

We provide a nurse-led service for adult patients who are receiving SACT and require the insertion of a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC). You will be referred by either your consultant, clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or one of the Williams Day Unit (WDU) nursing team.

Williams Day Unit

Outpatients’ clinics

As an outpatient, you’ll be seen by your consultant or a member of their team in a clinic in the Williams Day Unit or St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping. They will discuss your treatment with you and together you will decide on the best course of treatment. You will also be reviewed by your team before each cycle of treatment.

There are usually between 25 and 30 clinics held each week, seeing over 300 patients. If you would like to bring someone with you, please only bring one other person due to limited space. 

Getting the most out of your clinic appointment

Whether you are seeing your consultant, a nurse or any other professional at the hospital, it is important that you get the most out of your appointment.

People often say they forget parts of what has been discussed during the consultation. This is because there is often lots of new information to take in using many words and terms that you may not be familiar with. Below are some hints and tips to enable you to get the most out of your appointment. 

Plan your questions. Write them down and don’t be afraid to get your piece of paper or notepad out during your appointment. 

Write and keep notes. During the consultation don’t be afraid to write down the important parts of the conversation. Make a note of your consultant and key workers’ names.

Ask a friend or family member to come with you. Two minds are better than one and you will both remember different parts of the consultation. If you both write down what you feel are the important parts of the appointment, there will be two sets of notes to refer to after the appointment. 

Don’t feel you have to ask everything at once. There will be a number of opportunities to ask questions of different members of the team. 

If you do not understand what you are being told. Do not be afraid to say you do not understand. 

And finally, remember that professionals are there to help. They are likely to have supported people with similar issues before, even if you feel it is a subject you may find uncomfortable to talk about.

Hospital team

In the hospital, there is a group of professions that will help manage your care. This is called a multidisciplinary team, often shortened to MDT. 

Depending on the type of cancer and how it is treated, this may include: 

• Consultant – This is an expert doctor also referred to as a specialist. They may be a surgeon, oncologist (cancer specialist) or haematologist (blood cancer specialist).
• Cancer clinical nurse specialist – This is a nurse and likely your key worker who can help you to understand your treatment options and support you through your cancer experience. They will have a conversation when you are diagnosed to understand your individual needs (Holistic Needs Assessment/Concerns Checklist) which will help them provide the best support plan for you.
• Cancer support worker – This is a colleague who works closely with your cancer clinical nurse specialist/key worker and can provide information, education, identify concerns and refer you and your family to other available resources. 
• Radiologist – This is a specialist who is trained to look at scans. This includes CT scans, MRI scan and X-rays. They will often not be known to you, but they will contribute their knowledge and skills to planning and improving your care.
• Pathologist – This is a specialist who studies cells and will analyse biopsies or blood tests. The pathologists will also often not be known to you, but they will contribute their knowledge and skills to planning and improving your care.
• Research nurse – This nurse is part of a wider team and may be involved in your care if you are offered and accept treatment within a clinical trial.
• Pharmacist – This is a specialist who will be involved in producing your SACT and supportive medication. They will often not be known to you but they will contribute their knowledge and skills to planning and improving your care.

Cancer teams                           

• Acute Oncology Service
• Breast Team
• Colorectal/Lower Gastrointestinal Team
• Gynaecological Malignancy Team
• Haemato-oncology Team
• Head and Neck Malignancy team
• Lung
• Other – neuro-endocrine, sarcoma, skin, brain
• Radiotherapy (Not at PAHT)
• Upper Gastrointestinal Team
• Uro-oncology Team (Urology)