Cancer treatment in London: Cromwell Hospital
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The Cancer Centre at London's Cromwell Hospital has recently undergone an over £9m upgrade. This investment includes the purchase of 2 TomoTherapy Hi·Art Systems® - the world's most advanced radiotherapy treatment system - and the first of its kind in the UK.
They have also installed a PET-CT scanner - a powerful diagnostic imaging system - putting the Cromwell in the forefront of both diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients.
The Cromwell Gamma Knife Centre is a centre of excellence for Gamma Knife brain surgery and the first in the UK to install the latest generation of Gamma Knife technology, the Leksell Gamma Knife® PerfexionTM.
Their highly skilled multi disciplinary teams of cancer surgeons, oncologists and specialist support staff work together to treat a wide range of cancers using an array of diagnostic equipment and treatment options. A range of childhood cancers can also be treated at the Centre using TomoTherapy or Gamma Knife surgery.
Their aim is that each patient should receive the most appropriate treatment available to allow less radical surgery, improved outcomes and a shorter hospital stay.
They understand that patients with cancer and their families are going through a difficult time and offer a full range of support services including: counselling, complementary therapy, nutrition, physiotherapy and the Cancer Recovery Programme in a safe and comfortable environment.
Gamma knife surgery
Despite the use of the term "knife", Gamma Knife Surgery is a non-invasive form of neurosurgery used to treat certain brain, head and neck conditions. It uses highly precise radiation beams to destroy brain tumours and other abnormalities without the need to open the skull.
The Gamma Knife is particularly suitable for treating patients with benign and malignant brain, head and neck tumours, vascular malformations and certain functional disorders, including trigeminal neuralgia, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy.
Gamma Knife Brain Surgery has many advantages over traditional brain surgery:
- It destroys abnormalities without harming normal brain tissue or adjacent nerves and blood vessels.
- There is no incision and the head does not need to be shaved; there are no scars to heal; there is no risk of haemorrhage or infection.
- Treatment is painless and in most cases, requires no general anaesthetic.
- Unlike conventional surgery, where recovery time can exceed 6 weeks, patients undergoing Gamma Knife Surgery can usually expect to resume their normal activities the following day.
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Facilities and services
Patient bedrooms on the Oncology ward are large single rooms with full en-suite bathroom facilities, whilst children are cared for in the dedicated Starfish paediatric ward. All rooms are double glazed, equipped with fridges and have a choice of international and children's TV channels. For more specific information on the Paediatric Centre please click here.
- Fine and healthy cuisineThe kitchens are second to none, with cuisine for all tastes and dietary requirements. An important part of cancer care and recovery is to maintain adequate nutritional status. The nutrition and dietetic service at the Cromwell Cancer Centre can help tailor your individual needs according to your condition.
- Interpreters
The Hospital has a team of interpreters to translate for patients and relatives when required. For further information please contact patient relations. - Patient Relations
An experienced team of patient relations staff are available to assist with any special needs and requests; these include dentist, chiropodist, hairdresser, beautician, laundry and advice on accommodation and travel for patients and relatives. - Hotels near to the CromwellA number of London hotels conveniently located for Cromwell Hospital have agreed to provide provisional rates to clients of the Cromwell. Please quote Cromwell Hospital when booking. Click here for a list of hotels located near to the Cromwell.
Highly-skilled consultants
The Cromwell Cancer Centre prides itself on having highly-skilled, multi-disciplinary teams of surgeons and oncologists to treat a wide range of cancers. In addition, the centre has a team of over 25 consultant radiologists to read and interpret the varied range of diagnostic scans as well as other cancer related specialists including; dermatology, gastroenterology and respiratory medicine. All of the consultants are drawn from the major London teaching hospitals and have considerable experience in their field of expertise.
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Clinical and nursing staff
The clinical and nursing staff in the Cromwell Cancer Centre work as part of a multidisciplinary team ensuring that each patient receives a comprehensive and personal treatment plan. Their professional and experienced staff are also on hand to offer support and advice to patients throughout their treatment and follow-up.
All clinical and nursing staff are fully trained in their area of expertise and are registered with their relevant professional bodies.
Radiotherapy
The Departments is committed to continual improvement and offering a quality service. They achieved BS EN ISO 9001:2000 accreditation in 2003 and participate in regular audits. The department consists of clinical oncologists, from the
major London teaching hospitals, who have expertise in treating a wide range of cancers, therapy radiographers, radiotherapy nurses, counselling and administrative support staff and a team of physicists, engineering staff and planning radiographers who provide medical physics support.
Chemotherapy
A dedicated Chemotherapy Nurse Specialist supervises the administration of chemotherapy to ensure best practice. They also have a nurse lead PICC service (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) allowing catheters for the administration of chemotherapy drugs to be inserted without the need for anaesthesia. The dedicated oncology wards has a 21 bedded inpatient area and a 6 bedded Chemo Day Unit, which is staffed by highly skilled nurses trained in the specialist care and treatment of cancer patients.
Palliative care
Patients are cared for by experienced oncology nurses skilled in pain control and palliative care. The Clinical Nurse Specialist has established links in the community to ensure that patients continue to be supported following discharge.
Specialist clinical support
The Cancer Centre has a Nurse Navigator to ensure that patients have access to the appropriate specialist support services and to help guide patients through what can be a very daunting process. Their Oncology Medical Officers are on staff 24 hours a day to monitor patients progress and liaise closely with their consultant.
Specialist support services
These support services work closely together and enables the hospital to offer a holistic approach to cancer treatment.
Click on a heading (where appropriate) to download a pdf brochure about the treatment/service
- Dieticians - ensuring that patients receive the optimum nutrition based on their individual needs
- Oncology pharmacist - for the preparation of chemotherapy drugs and take home prescriptions
- Counsellors - support and information for patients and their families
- Macmillan Breast Care Nurse - providing general information and support as well as Lymphoedema advice and a breast prosthesis fitting service
- Lymphoedema service - offering specialised treatment for the management of lymphoedema.
- Physiotherapists - our Oncology Physiotherapists aid patients with motility both during and after treatment, whilst our Occupational Therapists can help with the transition of life back at home
- Alternative/complementary therapy services - providing complementary therapies such as reflexology, aroma therapy massage etc
- Massage Therapy services - providing an ancient form of healing which is helpful for people undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy to relax, alleviate tension and stress and improve body comfort.
- Cancer Recovery Programme - providing specialist rehabilitation and recovery support to help reduce the trauma of cancer treatment.
Cancer treatment options
- Radiation therapy
- TomoTherapy Hi·Art (Highly Integrated Adaptive Radiotherapy)
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Contact details
Cromwell Cancer Centre
Cromwell Hospital
Cromwell Road
London SW5 0TU
United Kingdom
Cromwell Hospital
Cromwell Road
London SW5 0TU
United Kingdom
General Enquiries
Tel: +44 (0)20 7460 5556
To make an appointment to see an Oncologist
Tel: +44 (0)20 7460 5626/7
To see Consultants in other specialities, and GPs
Tel: +44 (0)20 7460 5700
Web site: www.cromwellcancercentre.com
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