Paediatric Oncology Shared Care Unit (POSCU)

Two pictures featuring staff with a young patient

Care provided

We work very closely with colleagues at the specialist centres and are in regular contact to help deliver and coordinate the care and support needed for your child. We also work with the Children’s Community Nursing Team.

We provide:

 

  • access to a team of experienced paediatric consultants and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) who can provide advice and support via telephone, email or face-to-face.

 

  • 24/7 advice and open access to Hascombe Ward when your child is unwell or requires assessment.

 

  • some outpatient chemotherapy treatments.

 

  • supportive care such as blood transfusions, symptom management and ad hoc reviews.

When should I call?

 

  • If you are worried about your child’s health relating to their cancer.

 

  • If your child has a temperature of 38.0c or greater.

 

  • If your child looks/feels unwell even without a temperature.

 

  • If you have any questions about your child’s treatment given at Royal Surrey.

 

  • If you feel you need support for your child or for your family.

Holiday support

 

If your child is going on holiday within the UK the team will endeavour to contact the local POSCU to provide support should you need it whilst you are away. The team will also consider supporting children who are visiting the area, when contacted by the referring paediatric oncology team.

Discharge from the team

 

The length of treatment and follow-up that your child receives will depend on the type of cancer they have. After treatment has concluded, we provide follow-up and open access to the ward for a minimum of six months.

Our team

Graphic image of person crossed through

Dr Juliet Oliver, Lead Consultant

Alison French, Deputy Lead Consultant

Dr Alison French, Deputy Lead Consultant

Donna Townsend

Donna Townsend, Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist

Helen Cookson, Clinical Nurse Specialist

Helen Cookson, Clinica Nurse Specialist