CA N C E R C EN T R E

Cancer Patient Information and Support Services

Contents Introduction:

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Information services

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Complementary therapy services 8 Counselling services

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Useful information

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Information services at The Harley Street Clinic Information provision and the Macmillan Information Centre

Introduction Dear Patient

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You will be given this booklet as part of the information pack you receive at the beginning of your treatment. The booklet explains The Harley Street Clinic Cancer Centre’s support services that you are entitled to as part of your cancer treatment. The support services include a selected number of free counselling and complementary therapy sessions, as well as free, reliable and accurate information in the form of leaflets, booklets and other information sources. This booklet works in conjunction with the verbal information you will be given by the clinical staff caring for you. The pack contains general information about cancer and its treatment but, since your treatment is custom made, information more specific to your particular type of cancer and treatment may be added to your pack when appropriate.

Further details on any of the leaflets and information in this pack may be obtained by contacting the Macmillan Information Centre at The Harley Street Clinic Cancer Centre. If you would like to enquire about receiving complementary therapies and counselling, please ask one of the clinical team caring for you. The Information and Support Services can also be contacted by telephone or email. See contact details at the back of this booklet.

The Macmillan Cancer Information Centre is situated on the ground floor of The Harley Street Clinic Cancer Centre, 81 Harley Street, London W1G 8PP (Telephone: 020 7299 9442). The Macmillan Information Centre is operated in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support; you will find leaflets and other information about cancer in the centre. The Centre is open Monday to Friday from 08.30am to 17.00pm. The service, which is free, is available to patients, family, friends and carers.

Macmillan Information Centre staff The Macmillan Information Centre Officer together with a team of Macmillan Volunteers, manages the centre. As well as being able to book your complementary therapy and

counselling sessions at the centre, you can also pick up information on all aspects of cancer and its treatment, use the library, surf the Internet or just have a quiet moment. The Information Centre Officer can assist you in finding information on treatment or healthcare issues and can be contacted by telephone on 020 7299 9442 or by e-mail: [email protected]

The information service The importance of information provision for cancer patients is well documented and studies have shown that those patients who make full use of the resources available whilst undergoing their treatment experience reduced anxiety. They have an increased sense of well being and a sense of empowerment which may give them a feeling of ‘being in control’ at a time when life has been turned upside down. Research commissioned by Macmillan Cancer Support has suggested that people with cancer need information on treatment and possible side effects, diet, financial assistance and support groups as a core component of their care. There is now increasing focus

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for patients to be more involved in decisions about their care and treatment and it is therefore important that information provision is appropriate and tailored to meet the individual needs of their patients and their families.

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The Macmillan Information Centre aims to provide up-to-date information to everyone affected by cancer, with an extensive range of written information (from books and booklets to magazines and leaflets), as well as audio and video/DVD information. In addition you can also access information on the Internet (assisted Internet searches are conducted using approved medical sites), talk to a clinical specialist or request information by telephone or email.

The information in other languages Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline for information and support in several languages: Call free on 0808 808 00 00. Macmillan Cancer support has an interpretation service in other languages

The library

The library at the Macmillan Information Centre ensures that patients affected by cancer and their families have access to quality, comprehensive and appropriate information and support. The library stocks a wealth of information related to cancer including materials about radiotherapy, chemotherapy, complementary and relaxation therapies, counselling and nutrition. The books in the library are for ‘Reference Only’ and, although library users are welcome to read or look at these materials in the Macmillan Information Centre, they cannot be removed. However, any items without a reference label may be taken and the Information Centre can post leaflets to you or advise you of other appropriate organisations to contact which may be of use. Macmillan booklets can be collected from the Information Centre, sent to you free of charge or downloaded from their website: www.macmillan.org.uk. The Macmillan Information Officer

or a member of the team is usually available to assist with locating information, if needed. If you are unable to find the information you are seeking, please ask the Macmillan Information Centre Staff for assistance. Should you require analysis of the information obtained, it is suggested you speak to a health professional in your medical team or a recognised cancer organisation, such as Macmillan Cancer Support.

Internet access Internet access in the Macmillan Information Centre may be used by anyone for ‘health related searches only.’ Due to the enormous quantity of information available on the Internet, some of which may be unreliable or inaccurate, wherever possible it is best to restrict searches to organisations relevant to your particular enquiry. For example, if you need information about leukaemia try searching on a leukaemia research organisation or leukaemia care website.

To watch a video or listen to an audio recording The Macmillan Information Centre is supplied with video/DVD players and audio headsets for watching and listening to videos, DVDs and audio materials. If listening through a headset is difficult for you for any reason, the Centre will provide an ordinary tape machine. It is suggested you have pen and paper in hand while watching videos so that you can note any questions that may arise for discussion later with a member of your medical team.

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Complementary therapy service at The Harley Street Clinic Counselling and complementary therapies at The Harley Street Clinic

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Complementary therapies and counselling are now used increasingly in conjunction with conventional medicine in the treatment of cancer. The Medical Ethics Committee at The Harley Street Clinic has approved the use of complementary therapies and counselling in accordance with Department of Health guidance. All clinical healthcare professionals working at an HCA Hospital within the HCA Cancer Network are aware that counselling and complementary therapy services are available to their patients. Often patients can access our complementary therapy and counselling services in the same building and on the same day that they are receiving treatment.

What are the benefits? The Harley Street Clinic counselling and complementary therapies are evidence-based, which means that well-run studies have shown they have benefits for patients going through cancer treatment. They provide an important emotional and physiological support network for

patients and form part of the holistic approach to treatment now adopted by many leading clinics and hospitals. The counselling and complementary therapies offered may help to alleviate many side effects of medication such as anxiety, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, muscular tension and pain. The services are regularly audited to monitor their effectiveness and quality.

Who can access the service? Complementary therapy and counselling sessions are available to patients receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy or palliative care at The Harley Street Clinic and a number of sessions are included free of charge in each patient’s package of treatment. There are differences between the appointments’ system for counselling services and complementary therapies. Complementary therapy sessions are intended to support patients during their treatment and the series of sessions must be completed before the end of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, counselling sessions may be taken up at any time after diagnosis i.e. before, during or after treatment.

What is complementary therapy? Complementary therapy covers a range of different treatments or therapies that complement your medical treatment. The therapies seek to support and assist with relaxation during your treatment. All our complementary therapies work alongside your existing medical treatments – they are not an alternative and so will not replace medical treatments. In offering complementary therapies free of charge, our aim is to provide an integrated approach to support you during your treatment. Complementary therapy sessions take place in one of the complementary therapy rooms (for radiotherapy patients), on the Chemotherapy day unit or on the ward. Evidence shows that the therapies offered can greatly benefit patients by aiding relaxation, thereby enhancing the patient’s sense of well being and recovery. The effectiveness and the quality of our complementary therapy services are constantly monitored and patient audits are carried out regularly .

What therapies are available? You can choose to have massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and reiki depending on what type of cancer treatment you are undertaking. Each therapy is described here but if you need further information, please ask at the Macmillan Information Centre or discuss it with your therapist. (Relaxation sessions are also available on a 1:1 basis at the moment.)

Aromatherapy Aromatherapy uses aromatic pure ‘essential oils’ that are extracted from plants to improve well being through calming, de-stressing, invigorating and up-lifting patients. Each essential oil has a specific property, scent and therapeutic effect. Your therapist will help you decide which oils should be used for your massage. During treatment, neat drops of essential oil are diluted and mixed with a carrier/base oil or cream and applied to the skin. The oils can also be used in other ways, such as through inhalation. (Each oil used is catalogued in the yearly Health and Safety report.)

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Massage Massage uses touch and rhythmic strokes to induce therapeutic effects, including relief from stress, tension, aches and pains. Oil or cream is applied to the skin with light pressure and strokes. Essential oils are added to carrier oil for an aromatherapy massage.

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The treatment may involve you removing some of your clothes; however, you will be covered with towels to ensure warmth and modesty are maintained. In some instances, massage can be done through the clothing, where no oil would be used.

Reflexology Reflexology combines foot massage and gentle pressure with the thumb or fingers on specific pressure/reflex points in the feet (and sometimes the hands). It is believed that the organs and tissues of the body are connected to these points. The application of pressure to the reflex points aims to promote relaxation in the corresponding body parts. Reflexology is relaxing, soothing and very balancing for patients and may also help to alleviate certain side

effects of Chemotherapy such as Peripheral Neuropathy (tingling and numbness in the toes and fingers) and constipation.

Reiki Reiki is a non-invasive complementary therapy that originated in Japan and is based on the idea that the practitioner transfers energy to the recipient to bring about feelings of relaxation, calmness and well being. Reiki is unrelated to any faith or religious belief system so anyone can receive it. The patient remains fully clothed and can either lie on a couch or sit in a chair. The therapist’s hands are placed either on or just above the patient’s body. Some patients may experience sensations such as warmth, tingling, seeing colours or total relaxation. Reiki has been found to greatly enhance sleep and redress bad sleeping patterns.

How many complementary therapy sessions can I have?

Inpatients and chemotherapy day care patients

Radiotherapy patients

A Complementary Therapist visits inpatients and day care patients throughout the week offering short sessions (20–30 minutes) of reflexology and foot/hand massage. Patients can ask a nurse to contact the Macmillan Information Centre to see if a therapist is available or call from their room phone by dialling 68642.

Complementary therapy sessions for radiotherapy patients are pro rata according to the number of weeks of radiotherapy. Patients receiving 5 or 6 weeks of radiotherapy are entitled to up to 4 sessions. Patients receiving 4 weeks of radiotherapy can have 3 sessions, those having 3 weeks’ treatment, 2 sessions and 1 to 2 weeks’ treatment, 1 session. The sessions must be taken within the duration of your radiotherapy treatment. Complementary therapy sessions are extremely popular and it is necessary to operate a system of time slots for your sessions. This means that patients who are more than 15 minutes late may need to have appointments rescheduled. If you know you are going to be late or need to cancel an appointment please do so as early as possible by contacting the Macmillan Information Centre on 020 7299 9442. Missed appointments cannot be rescheduled.

Therapists aim to see inpatients as often as possible but priority is given to patients visiting the clinic for treatment for the first time, therefore, we cannot guarantee treatments every time a patient is in for treatment.

First visit On the first visit, the therapist will need to obtain certain information from the patient about their diagnosis and treatment plan in order to specifically tailor the session to the patient’s needs. All information is confidential and filed in a locked drawer.

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Counselling service at The Harley Street Clinic What is counselling? We advise patients to book complementary therapy sessions as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Although we make every effort to reserve appointments for each patient with the same therapist, sometimes this may not be possible.

Who are the therapists?

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The Complementary Therapists are employees of The Harley Street Clinic Cancer Centre. They have undergone accredited training and are fully qualified and experienced in the field of cancer care. They are members of professional bodies and abide by their Association’s Codes of Conduct and Professional Practice. Contact details for these associations and other organisations can be found in the list ‘complementary therapy contacts’ which is available from the Macmillan Information Centre or your therapist. This list will also help you to find therapists local to your home.

How to make an appointment for complementary therapy To make your appointment, please visit the Macmillan Information Centre as soon as you have your treatment schedule or, if this is not possible,

telephone 020 7299 9442 to book your sessions. See further contact details at the back of this booklet.

Relaxation and stress management sessions After diagnosis, and before and after treatment, patients may understandably find themselves experiencing stress and anxiety related symptoms. For these difficult times, The Harley Street Clinic provides sessions to help patients alleviate symptoms by using relaxation, visualisation and controlled breathing techniques. (These are currently offered on a 1:1 basis.)

Counselling is a form of psychological therapy that helps people gain insight into and manage any problems or difficulties that they may have. Many people find counselling helpful when they are going through difficult stages in their life such as after a diagnosis of cancer, or during treatment, loss and bereavement or relationship difficulties. Counselling may also help people who have difficulty communicating with family (including children), friends or carers regarding diagnosis and/or treatment, who are anxious, fearful or depressed, those with sexual problems resulting from diagnosis or who have difficultly coping with the side effects of treatment.

Who may benefit from the service? Counselling is suitable for anyone who feels that they might benefit from talking to a professional who is trained to listen. Counselling can help you to explore your concerns so that you can move forward. Having someone to talk to who is not family and not directly involved in your medical care can make a real difference.

The Counselling Psychologist can see you together with your spouse/ partner as a couple and/or as a family including children.

What happens during a counselling session? The Counselling Psychologist will normally start the session by taking personal details such as your name, address, diagnosis and the name of your consultant. He/she will then explain how counselling works and will ask you to sign a consent form to indicate that you understand the nature of the contract and that you agree to have the session. A copy will be given to you to keep and the other copy will be kept in your hospital medical notes. The Counselling Psychologist will work with whatever problem you present to him/her. Psychologists will help you analyse and work toward an appropriate course of action and help you find your own solutions to your problems. All issues discussed in a counselling session are strictly confidential except when patients are at risk of harming themselves or others.

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Useful contact information

Who provides the counselling? The counselling service is provided by fully trained Counselling Psychologists with many years of experience working with cancer patients and their families. The Counselling Psychologists are chartered by the British Psychological Society and abide by the Society’s Code of Conduct and Professional Practice. The Counselling Psychologists are also registered with The Health Professions Council.

The Harley Street Clinic

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For more information please contact: the Macmillan Information Centre on 020 7299 9442

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You are entitled to six counselling sessions per treatment programme. You may prefer to have your counselling appointment close to your medical appointments. While we will try to accommodate your wishes, this may not always be possible. Counselling sessions last for one hour.

How do I make an appointment for counselling? To make your appointment, please visit the Macmillan Information Centre, if this is not possible, you can telephone for an appointment on 020 7299 9442.

Counselling & Complementary Therapy Bookings: 020 7299 9442

81 Harley Street London W1G 8PP

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How many counselling sessions can I have?

Whether you are an outpatient or an inpatient, you can be seen in the counselling room. If this is difficultfor you, the Counselling Psychologist can see you on the ward by prior arrangement.

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Where do I see the psychologist?

Website: theharleystreetclinic.com

Please ask at the Macmillan Information Centre for lists of recognised organisations that may provide further reliable information about aspects of cancer relevant to you. Alternatively, visit The Macmillan Information Centre on the Ground Floor of The Harley Street Clinic Cancer Centre, at:

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The Harley Street Clinic 35 Weymouth Street London W1G 8BJ Tel: 020 7935 7700 www.theharleystreetclinic.com