Working with Clinical Nurse Specialists and Health Professionals to help with the non-medical challenges of cancer.
01273 696955
Ext. 67480
What is this information about?
This leaflet explains the support services available to you at University Hospitals Sussex following a cancer diagnosis. We understand that cancer can feel overwhelming, and support is available not only for your physical health, but also for your emotional, practical, and personal needs.
Cancer Support Workers
Who are Cancer Support Workers?
Cancer Support Workers are part of your wider cancer care team.
They work alongside:
- Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)
- Doctors and other healthcare professionals
Their role is to support you with the non-medical aspects of living with cancer.
What can they help me with?
Cancer Support Workers can help with:
- Emotional support and someone to talk to
- Fatigue and wellbeing concerns
- Practical issues, such as work or daily activities
- Financial information and accessing benefits
- Signposting to local and national support services
If you have not yet had contact with a Cancer Support Worker, please get in touch using the contact details on the cover page.
Holistic Needs Assessments
What is a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA)?
A Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) is offered as part of your cancer care. It gives you the opportunity to reflect on what matters most to you and to identify any concerns you may have.
These concerns may be:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Practical
- Financial
- Spiritual
What does a HNA (Holistic Needs Assessment) involve?
An HNA usually includes:
- A short checklist to help you identify any concerns
- A conversation (often by telephone) with a Cancer Support Worker or healthcare professional
- A Personalised Care and Support Plan based on your individual needs and priorities
What are the benefits of completing a Holistic Needs Assessment?
Completing an HNA can help to:
- Prioritise what matters most to you
- Access relevant information, resources, or referrals
- Provide you with a written Personalised Care and Support Plan to guide your care and support
To find out more or to arrange a Holistic Needs Assessment, please contact the Cancer Support Worker Team.
A copy of the HNA can be found here:
Prehabilitation Support
What is prehabilitation?
It means preparing your body and mind before cancer treatment begins. Research shows that improving:
- Physical fitness
- Nutrition
- Emotional wellbeing
before treatment can:
- Improve tolerance to treatment
- Reduce side effects
- Support a faster recovery
Cancer Support Workers can help you:
- Explore safe and personalised prehabilitation options
- Set achievable goals
- Access services to support your preparation for treatment
Getting support early can help build confidence, resilience, and overall wellbeing as you begin your cancer journey.
The Macmillan Horizon Centre
What is the Macmillan Horizon Centre?
We work closely with the Macmillan Horizon Centre, which provides a welcoming space for people affected by cancer, including family members and carers.
The centre provides free information, wellbeing therapies, practical support, groups, workshops, and services for patients and their loved ones, scan the QR code to learn more:
Further information and support
If you have any questions or would like to access support, please contact the Cancer Support Worker Team
Address: 2 Bristol Gate, Brighton, BN2 5BD
Macmillan Information Hubs
The Macmillan Information Hubs in Worthing and Chichester offer a welcoming space where anyone affected by cancer can access free, confidential support.
Our volunteer led team can signpost you to information and support relevant to your personal needs or concerns. The support hubs are available to patients, family members, or carers.
Worthing
The Amberley Unit, Worthing Hospital, Lyndhurst Road, Worthing, BN11 2DH
01243 788122
Ext. 35423
Chichester
The Fernhurst Centre, St Richards Hospital, Spitalfields Lane, Chichester, PO19 6SE
Sussex Cancer Fund
University Hospital Sussex’s Information and Support service are proudly supported by local charity, Sussex Cancer Fund. They work together with the NHS to help make life better for cancer patients in Sussex – providing equipment, facilities and services that make a tangible difference for patients who are often on a difficult and stressful journey.
To find out more about the support they offer patients please go to:
Personalised Care: Support Services and Information Recommended to Me
Please print the PDF at the top of the page for this form.
Other Useful Contact details:
Image booking office
To enquire regarding an appointment for imaging (e.g. CT/MRI)
Monday to Friday
8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Phlebotomy Service
If you have been asked to have a blood test by one of our hospitals’ services, you can book an appointment using the following contact details
01444 441881
Ext. 68199
Transport
If you are having trouble getting to your appointment you may be entitled to use the hospital transport service provided by EMED Group.
Cancer Treatment Team
If you are unwell on treatment call 01273 696955 and ask for the switchboard to Bleep 6060 immediately
For chemotherapy appointment queries
01273 696955
Ext. 63863
For non-urgent queries which require the chemotherapy nurses
01273 696955
Ext. 64799
Haematology Day Unit
For queries related to treatment in the Haematology Day unit
01273 696955
Ext. 67413
Macmillan Support
The National Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones
8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Useful Websites
Macmillian
Support information from University Hospitals Sussex
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Today’s research is tomorrow’s treatments. That’s why UHSx is proud to be a research-active Trust. Find out how you can get involved.
Visit our website www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/research-and-innovation/information-for-patients-and-public or scan the QR code: 