The Chemotherapy team at the Royal Oldham Hospital administers chemotherapy in one of three ways to patients:
- intravenously, through a device in the patient's arm directly into the vein
- as a tablet to swallow
- as an injection given under the skin
If you have breast or bowel cancer, your appointments and chemotherapy will be administered in the Victoria unit. If you have a haematological (blood) cancer, your appointments and chemotherapy will be on ward F11.
The Royal Oldham Hospital has 3 departments that deliver Chemotherapy:
- Inpatient service on ward F11 (haematology)
- Outpatient service on F11 day case (haematology)
- Outpatient service in the Victoria Unit (solid tumour)
Comprehensive care throughout your journey
We provide support and expert advice throughout your chemotherapy journey.
All patients are given one-to-one support, offered the opportunity to discuss their chemotherapy regime and side effects prior to commencing chemotherapy this appointment will be with a specialist chemotherapy nurse or specialist haematology nurse, or doctor.
- Your first appointment will be longer than other appointments so there is plenty of time to discuss your treatment plan with you. You can ask any questions you have
- If you agree your treatment plan during this appointment, we will get your consent to treatment – this means you agree to have the treatment. We will send you further information (digitally/ electronically or on paper) for you to read
- Please make sure you have a list of your current medication at your first appointment so you can give it to the doctor (or other healthcare professional) you are seeing
- You might also find it helpful to bring a list of any questions or concerns that you want to discuss at your first appointment
What to bring with you
You might like to bring something with you to help pass the time.
- A phone or device for listening to music, watching TV or films, playing games and so on. Please wear headphones as a courtesy to others
- Something to read.
- Your own drinks or snacks if you prefer them to the ones we provide.
Facilities
We want you to feel relaxed and comfortable during your treatment, we offer.
- Comfortable treatment chairs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free tea, coffee, and light refreshments – we also offer sandwiches if you are having a treatment over lunch.
- Free parking – ask your nursing team about this.
Treatment times
- Some treatments are very quick. If your treatment is an injection, – these appointments are normally under an hour.
- Many drip treatments(intravenous) need to be given slowly. This can sometimes take several hours or most of the day depending on what treatment you are having.
- On occasions, treatments can take more than 24 hours to administer; this will be given as an inpatient.
All information signposted on this page is general chemotherapy information, you will be given more specific information about your chemotherapy by your doctor/nurse.
If you feel very unwell during or after your cancer treatment, it is important to contact us straight away. The Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Christie hotline 0161 446 3658 receiving treatment in Victoria unit
- Ward F11 hotline 0161 656 1166
Call the Hotline straight away if:
- You have a temperature over 37.5°C (99.5°F)
- You suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature.
- You have symptoms of an infection – these include feeling shivery and shaking; a sore throat; a cough; breathlessness; diarrhoea; needing to pee frequently or feeling pain or discomfort when you wee.
- Your temperature goes below 36°C (96.8°F)
The nurses can assess your symptoms and offer expert advice on what to do next.
Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if you have:
- Chest pain
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Severe confusion or unconscious
- Moderate or severe bleeding
- Symptoms of a stroke include Face drooping, Arm weakness, and Speech problems and Time to call emergency services(remember the FAST acronym)
Getting Here
Our hospitals are conveniently located and have good road and public transport links. We provide on-site car parking, and depending on your circumstances, Free parking is available for patients receiving cancer treatment. Please enquire with the Macmillan Information Centres within the trust for more information and to obtain a permit. Terms and Conditions apply.
Getting to Oldham - Map/Directions & Parking
Ward F11 (1st Floor) Main Hospital Via main entrance or entrance 2
The Victoria unit (1st Floor) The Royal Oldham Hospital