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The Nurses
The nurses are there to take care of your child in hospital and will administer all
the drugs they need as well as advising you on how to care for your child at home
after the hospital visits.The sister or charge nurse is in charge of the ward,with
staff nurses and student nurses working under their direction. All the nurses on the
oncology ward have had special training and the handling and administration of
chemotherapy is their particular responsibility.They are also skilled at dealing with
the side effects, especially anti-sickness drugs.
Surgeons
Surgeons may take a biopsy and put in central lines, PEGs, or a shunt.The consultant
surgeon liaises very closely with the consultant oncologist in your child’s overall
treatment plan, particularly on the timing of the surgery.
Outreach Nurses
Outreach nurses support you as you care for your child at home, particularly if you
live quite a distance from the hospital.The outreach nurses may visit your GP and
your child’s school to explain your child’s condition and treatment to the teaching
staff, and may also arrange to meet with your local community nurse.
Associate Specialist
A senior doctor who works in the ward or clinic on a permanent basis.
Pharmacist
The pharmacist provides advice on all drug issues and is responsible for preparing
and dispensing the drugs your child receives.
Psychologist
A psychologist may be able to help children who have diffculties with behaviour or
learning during their treatment.They can also help the whole family to deal with the
inevitable stress caused by the illness and treatment.
Dietician
Dieticians look after the nutritional needs of your child during treatment. If you are
worried about your child losing weight, a discussion with the dietician may give you
some ideas on different foods to try.They can also advise on other forms of nutrition,
such as high energy supplements given through a nasogastric tube or a PEG.