The hospital’s Dorset Cancer Centre is committed to providing our patients with the most effective care and treatment. As part of this commitment, we are involved in a number of clinical trials and research studies.

Research into new ways of treating and managing cancer is very important. We rely on people’s willingness to take part to help us make progress in the fight against cancer. There is evidence to suggest that being part of a research study or clinical trial may be beneficial to the individual. Participation will of course help those who develop cancer in the future. https://www.nihr.ac.uk/patients-and-public/why-join-in/.  Some studies involve collection of specimens which are carefully stored to use in future scientific research. We are also involved in research aimed at assessing how patients are affected by their cancer treatment.

Cancer clinical trials at Poole Hospital involve testing new surgical techniques, radiotherapy methods or drug treatments. All studies must be approved by independent ethics committees to ensure that they are scientifically valid and have social and clinical value. If patients are eligible to be included in a clinical trial then this will be discussed with them. Whether patients join a trial is entirely up to them. They are free to choose and we will respect the decision they make. If patients are invited to join a trial but choose not to, or wish to withdraw from it, they will be given the best treatment available in accordance with their wishes.

Patients wishing to discuss any aspect of cancer research and clinical trial activity in the Dorset Cancer Centre should speak to their doctor or ask any member of the health care team to contact the research team.  They may also contact us directly on 01202 665511 ext 8500.

The services are available by appointment from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for early morning and early evening sessions.

There is also a confidential listening service staffed by a team of trained and experienced volunteers who meet people in their own homes. The volunteers are supported and supervised by the counselling team

What is bereavement counselling?

Bereavement counselling takes place in a relationship built upon trust, respect and confidentiality, to facilitate the processes of normal and complex grief

It is a way of working that enables people to explore their concerns in a safe, supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere and to find the best outcomes for them.

Talking to a counsellor may help people to:

• See things differently
• Explore feelings in a safe environment
• Find ways to manage feelings of loneliness and isolation
• Improve communication with family, friends and health professionals
• Feel supported
• Find a level of acceptance and increased understanding of their deepest concerns.

Who can use the service?

The service can be used by anyone who is affected by someone who is dying, or has died from cancer, and has received treatment from Poole Hospital.

Referrals can also be made through the medical and nursing staff, and the hospital and community specialist palliative care teams.

An initial assessment session will be offered to discuss your needs and whether counselling may be supportive to you at this time.

No charge is made for the counselling sessions.

We recommend, whenever possible, that the person choosing to have counselling contacts us directly. We appreciate that making the first contact may take considerable courage, as it is the first step towards being in the counselling relationship. This is especially the case if you have not previously talked about personal issues to someone outside of your friends and family.

Please telephone 0300 019 8096 between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday to make an appointment with a counsellor.

If you call outside of these hours please leave your name, a brief message and times when you are available and we will return your call.

The counselling service is based at Forest Holme and provides support and counselling to patients living with a diagnosis of cancer as well as their partners, children and families. This may be when cancer is diagnosed or at any stage of the illness.

There is also a bereavement service that provides support and counselling for individuals, couples, children, young people and families before and after bereavement.

Both services are available by appointment from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for early morning and early evening sessions. We also see patients and their families on the ward in Forest Holme and in the main hospital.

How counselling can help

Talking to a counsellor may help you to:

• See things differently
• Explore your feelings in a safe environment
• Find ways to manage feelings of loneliness and isolation
• Improve communication with family, friends and health professionals
• Feel supported
• Find a level of acceptance and increased understanding of your deepest concerns.

We offer a confidential service provided by professionally trained counsellors experienced in working with people affected by cancer and bereavement.

Who can use the service?

The counselling service can be used by all patients, their partners and families, who are affected by cancer and are being treated at Poole Hospital. Referrals can also be made through the medical and nursing staff, and the hospital and community specialist palliative care teams./p>

An initial assessment session will be offered to discuss your needs and whether counselling may be supportive to you at this time. No charge is made for the counselling sessions.

We recommend, whenever possible, that the person choosing to have counselling contacts us directly. We appreciate that making the first contact may take considerable courage, as it is the first step towards being in the counselling relationship. This is especially the case if you have not previously talked about personal issues to someone outside of your friends and family.

Please telephone 0300 019 8096 between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday to make an appointment with a counsellor.

If you call outside of these hours please leave your name, a brief message and times when you are available and we will return your call.

Complementary therapies aim to encourage the potential of self-healing and empowerment.

Most therapies are offered on an outpatient basis, although the therapists also visit the wards of the Dorset Cancer Centre and Forest Holme.

Patients receiving treatment at the Dorset Cancer Centre are able to access the service free of charge. All patients will be assessed by the therapist before treatment, who will advise on the appropriateness of each therapy. In some circumstances certain therapies are not safe and the therapist will provide guidance to individuals on this.

The cancer centre has a small team of three qualified and registered therapists who provide the following therapies free of charge:

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses the essential oils of plants. The oils are absorbed through the skin during massage, helping to promote relaxation and a feeling of well-being. Our therapist offers patients a half-hour treatment comprising hand and foot massage.

Indian head massage

Indian head massage is a treatment based on Ayurvedic techniques involving work on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face. A variety of massage movements are used to relieve accumulated tension, stimulate circulation and restore joint movement. The treatments help to reduce stress and fatigue, improve sleep and relaxation, and release neck and shoulder tension.

Emotional Freedom Technique

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a psychological therapy that may help with the anxiety and stress associated with cancer and its treatment. In particular, it can help with panic attacks, fear of needles and anticipatory nausea.

Reflexology

Reflexology uses pressure applied by the therapists’ hands on reflex points on the feet. The aim of this treatment is to improve the energy flow throughout the body, to release stress and toxins and increase energy levels. Reflexology is available to patients six weeks after completing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

4x4 support classes

These are four classes held over four weeks looking at various complementary therapies that support patients after cancer treatment including nutrition, counselling, relaxation and self help techniques. They are organised in accordance with demand.

Yoga

Gentle yoga sessions are offered weekly and are especially designed for cancer patients. Prior experience is not essential and patients are supported throughout in a small group.

Other therapies

All the consultants in the Dorset Cancer Centre support the use of the complementary therapies provided in the centre. Patients wishing to use other therapies privately are advised to discuss this with their consultant to ensure that there are no safety concerns.