What to expect

Being in hospital if you have never been in much before can be quite daunting, but there are things to do to help you to feel more at home on the Teenage Cancer Trust Units. 

  • Bring some of your own bedding or pillows if you want 
  • Bring home comforts like comforters/ teddies/ pictures with you
  • Have a friend/ family member stay with you 
  • Have things to do keeping busy can help-  but if you're being treated in the Principal Treatment Center your Youth Support Coordinator will also help you keep distracted
  • Keep in touch with friends and family

The TYA service will try and get to know you over time and make your stay with us on the units are as comfortable and as close to home as we can safely make it. 

If you are worried or have any questions about specific units feel free to contact your team. 

Coming into the Cancer world can be really confusing, Teenage Cancer Trust have put together a number of resources to help you navigate like a glossary of terms to help understand medical Jargon. 

What we expect from each other?

Your family / friends can help us by following some basic rules:

  • Parents, family and friends may use the social spaces when invited and accompanied by patients.
  • You are welcome to make your own beverages using the facilities in the social zone however please help to keep communal areas clean and tidy.
  • Please respect other people and their property.
  • Please respect the staff and their decision making. Decisions are made in the best interest of all patients and their needs.
  • Please do not take photographs of other patients or staff without their permission
  • We ask that after 8pm noise levels are kept to a minimum to encourage a normal bedtime routine
  • Do not use inappropriate language and/or behavior and consider other people around you at all times.
  • Please bring your own headphones with you whenever possible, which we may ask you to use after 10pm.
  • We do not tolerate any form of violence or aggression
  • We will keep information about you confidential. Please understand that we cannot discuss other patients with you
  • Visitor’s beds and bedding to be tidied away during the day.

Additional information

Ward Round

The Doctors will visit you on a daily basis during the ward round - This will give you and your family the opportunity to discuss your treatment.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones are allowed on the unit. We ask that you are mindful of others around you when using your phone and respect people’s privacy and the need to rest.

Visiting

We have an open visiting policy during the day and we actively encourage your friends and family to visit. Between the hours of 10pm and 7am visiting is restricted to allow patients time to rest. You can have someone stay overnight with you providing they are over 16. 

*** Please note: If any visitors have had any symptoms of sickness and / or diarrhoea they should not visit the ward until they have been symptom free for a minimum of 48 hours.

Smoking

All of the Hospitals are no-smoking site therefore smoking is not allowed in any of the hospital buildings or grounds.

Out of age patients

Occasionally, due to demands within the hospital, it may be necessary for patients outside the ages of 18- 24 years to be cared for in the short term on the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit.

Whilst on the unit these patients are able to benefit from the facilities in their bedroom but are asked to refrain from using the social spaces which are provided for the young adults aged 18 – 24.

Education

Your continued education is important to us. The TYA team can liaise with your College / University to help support you with your ongoing studies wherever possible. When you feel well enough we strongly encourage you to continue your education.