Many different hospital staff will be involved in your child’s care and at first meeting all the staff may seem overwhelming.
You may see some of the following healthcare professionals:
Paediatric oncologists are doctors who treat children with cancer. They are specialists in planning and giving cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Haematologists are doctors who specialise in blood disorders including leukaemia. They look after patients on the ward and examine blood samples in the laboratory.
Clinical oncologists (also known as radiotherapists) are doctors who specialise in using radiotherapy and chemotherapy to treat cancer.
Surgeons perform operations. They may take a biopsy (remove a piece of tissue from the tumour for examination under a microscope) and/or remove the whole tumour. They also put in central lines and implantable ports.
Paediatric anaesthetist. A doctor who will anaesthetise and monitor your child throughout surgery or a procedure requiring an anaesthetic.
Junior ward doctors. These doctors are at different stages of their training and specialise in looking after children with cancer.
Clinical nurse specialists. There may be a clinical nurse specialist, or specialist nurse, based at the Principal Treatment Centre where your child has their treatment. They may act as your child’s key worker. This means that they coordinate your child’s care and liaise with the Paediatric Oncology Shared Care Units, which have specialist or community nurses who work with children who have cancer.
Nurses. The sister, ward manager or charge nurse is in charge of the ward. Staff nurses, student nurses and healthcare assistants work under the sister/ward manager/charge nurse’s direction. All nurses will be specialised in working with children with cancer.
Pharmacists are responsible for preparing and dispensing medicines. They’re based in the hospital pharmacy and may also visit the ward.
Physiotherapists and occupational therapists help children with moving around and carrying out daily activities.
Pathologists analyse tissues samples (for example, biopsies) under the microscope to diagnose illness or see how an illness is being affected by treatment.
Psychologists can help children who have difficulties with behaviour or learning during their treatment and also support the child’s family.
Radiographers take x-rays and give radiotherapy treatment.
Radiologists interpret x-rays and scans to help diagnose the cancer and plan your child’s treatment.
Dietitians make sure that your child has the best food to keep them as healthy as possible during their treatment. If your child isn’t able to eat for a while, the dietitian can advise on other ways of giving them the nutrients they need.
Play specialists use play to help children cope with the experience of being ill.
Social workers can help with any practical, emotional and financial problems you may have. Young Lives vs Cancer provides social workers who specifically support children with cancer, and their families.
Teachers. Each children’s hospital has a school that provides education for children when they’re in hospital. The hospital school will contact your child’s school, and together they will plan an education programme for your child.