The Haematology Oncology Day Centre (HODC) is dedicated to providing exceptional patient focused care for individuals undergoing treatment for haematological and oncological conditions. 

Patients attend HODC for a range of services including:

  • Systemic Anti Cancer Therapy(SACT)-Administration of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy
  • Non SACT Treatments- Supportive therapies such as blood transfusions, intravenous fluids, and other supportive care
  • Apheresis -removal of selected, abnormal components or cells from the circulation while returning all others
  • Haemopoetic stem cell transplant care (referring to the transplant of immature cells that can develop into all types of blood cells)
  • Pre-transplant care
  • Stem cell harvest
  • Stem cell/ donor lymphocyte infusions (transplant of stem cells or white blood cells)
  • Transitional care and long-term follow-up, post-transplant care
  • Vaccination programme for patients of the long-term follow-up service
  • Procedures- Bone marrow aspirate/biopsy, PICC line insertions, phlebotomy and dressings when required

Additionally HODC supports the Acute Oncology Haematology Service (AOHS). This service is open Monday to Friday and is designed for patients requiring urgent assessment and care for acute issues related to their condition or treatment.

HODC operates a two day model for the majority of patients attending for SACT. Patients on weekly SACT are on a one day model due to the frequency of their treatment. 

The 2 day  model of care refers to a structured approach to the administration of SACT. The model aligns with the goal of delivering high quality patient centered cancer care in a time efficient manner while ensuring safety and effectiveness

Nurse toxicity assessments: These involve skilled nursing staff in HODC conducting toxicity assessments in HODC, reducing the need for medical review at every visit. Nursing staff are capable, competent and well-trained to carry out the toxicity assessments and will collaborate closely with your medical team as needed.

Communication about appointments: You will be given your swiftqueue and treatment appointments for your next treatment before you leave the day ward. If your blood results, or any other factors require a change in your treatment schedule, you will be promptly informed.

To improve efficiency and convenience, a self registration process using the Enlighten Kiosk has been introduced for patients attending HODC 2 for OPD review appointments. New patients and patients for SACT, are excluded form this process presently due to the amount of information that has to be confirmed and verified by administration staff with the patient on their first visit to HODC.

The dedicated team is committed to providing safe, timely and patient centred care. 

HODC is supported by multidisciplinary services. All patients receiving treatment benefit from the on-site clinical pharmacology service. If patients require any of the following specialist support services, your medical or nursing team will complete a referral and patients will receive an appointment:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Social work service
  • Psycho-oncology service
  • Clinical nutrition
  • Palliative care service

 

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  • The HODC has a designated medical, nursing, and administrative team that works extensively with the wider multi-disciplinary team in order to deliver integrated patient-centred care.

    • Clinical,  leadership is provided by the HOPe (Haematology, Oncology and Palliative Care Directorate) Clinical Director
    • Nursing leadership is provided by the Clinical Nurse Manager. The nursing team consists of staff nurses, clinical nurse managers and site-specific clinical nurse specialists (CNS) teams. The team also includes:
      • Chemotherapy nurse specialists
      • Oncology nurse specialists
      • Haematology nurse specialists
      • Bone marrow transplant nurse specialists
      • Clinical trials nurses
      • Healthcare attendants.
    • Administrative leadership is provided by the Administrative Team Manager. 
    • Pharmacy leadership is provided by the Chief II Oncology Pharmacist
    • Support staff, including porters, cleaning staff and catering staff, are under the manager of General Support Services.
  • The Acute Haematology Oncology Service

    The Acute Haematology Oncology Service (AHOS) provides timely access to specialised care for patients with cancer who experience side effects of their treatment, complications of a bone marrow transplant or symptoms of their cancer. The opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am-6pm. The nurse- led unit is located within Haematology Oncology Day Care. The team is comprised of an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist with support from the multidisciplinary team.

    We provide telephone assessment and support to patients at home through our ‘SOS Hotline’. Out of hours, this service is provided by nursing staff on Donal Hollywood Ward and Denis Burkitt Ward. Following assessment, an appointment can be made with the AHOS team for review and management of complications.

    Our aim is to identify and manage side effects and symptoms early. By doing so, we can reduce admissions, promote a good quality of life for patients with cancer and avoid delayed cancer treatment.

     

    Call the SOS Hotline if you have: 

    • A temperature of 37.5°C or above or a temperature below 36°C
    • New pain
    • Shivers; feeling hot and cold
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhoea
    • Swollen limbs
    • Sore mouth
    • Skin changes or rashes
    • Shortness of breath
    • Unmanageable tiredness

     

    Please attend your local Emergency Department if you have:

    • Chest pain or tightness
    • Sudden shortness of breath/ difficulty breathing
    • Sudden weakness to face/ arms or speech difficulty
    • Bleeding
    • Reduced level of consciousness

     

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Contact Details

Monday to Friday, 7 30am to 8pm

How to find us

First floor, Main Hospital