Mobile cancer service launched
Cancer patients at the Trust can now get essential blood tests and other procedures needed before chemotherapy, from a mobile cancer service. The service takes place in a St John Ambulance Community Response vehicle parked outside the children’s entrance at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. This saves patients going into the hospital, so it minimises their contact with other patients and staff.
The mobile cancer service is an innovative collaboration between St John Ambulance and our Chemotherapy Day Unit and Phlebotomy Department. The project has been sponsored by Guy’s charitable foundation and was developed by Guy’s Cancer with the South East London Cancer Alliance. It was first piloted at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and extended to patients at University Hospital Lewisham from Thursday 9 July. The pilot will be running at the Trust until August 2020.
Lisa McGarry, Lead Chemotherapy Nurse and Matron for Cancer Services, explained: "This is a crucial service and a fantastic way to keep our most vulnerable patients safe during this Covid-19 outbreak. The mobile cancer service reduces the number of people patients come into contact with and therefore reduces the risk of exposure to the virus. Patients drive up and wait safely in their car close to the St John Ambulance and are contacted via their mobile phone asking them to attend the St John Ambulance for their test or procedure. The feedback from our patients has been extremely positive.”
Stephen Poynter was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January. He has been using the mobile cancer service instead of coming into the hospital and commented: "Using this service makes me feel safe. It is efficient and excellent. The staff are lovely, and my bloods and checks are all done in 10 to 15 minutes. I cannot fault it, so please pass on my thanks to you all.”
Patient Stephen Poynter with Adriana Carvahlo Melo, Chemotherapy Nurse