Visit to Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at Castle Hill Hospital

On Wednesday, 22nd June 2016 our Chairman, Andrew Milner and Trustee, Dawn Mitchell, visited the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at Castle Hill Hospital and met Heather Bowen, Teenage Cancer Trust Regional Manager, Staff Nurse Victoria Walsh and Youth Support Co-ordinator Danielle Sharp.

As well as the four in-patient beds, the unit has day clinics, a recreational area with pool table, juke box, full gaming facilities as well as overnight accommodation for families.  The unit has a “family approach” and reflects the region in terms of decoration, which includes a large mural of the Humber Bridge, and has a light and airy feel.  Teenage Cancer Trust treat young patients whose age ranges from 16-25 and there is strong support for each young patient clinically but also socially and meeting their family needs.

The Teenage Cancer Trust aims to reach, within the first month of diagnosis, 100% of all young cancer patients in this area by 2020.  They provide strong support not only at the time the young people are attending the hospital but also following up in the community for up to 2/3 years.

Youth Support Co-ordinator Danielle’s post is very varied and ranges from organising quiz nights to take-away meals and other fun activities but also liaising with employers or colleges about phased return after treatment.  When the young person returns home support continues from the Teenage Cancer Trust, and can include sourcing yoga classes, gym membership, mindfulness training, etc.  Danielle’s role is vital in terms of creating an atmosphere where patients can become friends, supporting each other and understanding the impact of having cancer at this age.  Danielle’s role is to also bring young people together (both on and off treatment) with various programmes such as The Way Forward, Find Your Sense of Tumour conference and workshops at the Royal Albert Hall all of which are proven to aid growth in personal confidence, coping with body changes and putting the building blocks of life together.

For further information, please visit:   https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/get-help/how-we-can-help/our-units/castle-hill-hospital