• Reference Number: HEY-991/2022
• Departments: Psychology Services
• Last Updated: 1 June 2022

Introduction

This advice sheet is to give you general information about the frequently asked questions received by the Radiotherapy Department.  It is not to replace discussion between you and your clinician. If after reading it, you require further explanation, please discuss this with the relevant person who has been caring for you.

When we speak about the “Clinician” we are referring to – Clinical Oncologists, Registrars, Consultant Therapeutic Radiographers.

Experts in radiotherapy and SACT (Systemic Anti-Cancer Chemotherapy), and will manage your treatment. They take the responsibility for deciding what dose and how many treatments will be best for you; they will oversee the planning of your treatment. You will see one of them at your initial planning appointment.

Where is the Radiotherapy Department?

The Radiotherapy Department is based within the Queen’s Centre, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, Hull. The Radiotherapy Department is located on level 1 of the Queen’s Centre, about half way down the main corridor on the right hand side.

The Queen’s Centre is accessed via entrance one at Castle Hill Hospital.

How long will my appointment take?

A CT planning appointment usually takes around 30 – 60 minutes, depending upon the type of CT planning scan you are having.

A radiotherapy treatment appointment usually takes around 20 minutes.

Can I bring someone with me to the appointment?

Unfortunately, due to current Covid restrictions unless there is a medical need for someone to be with you for your appointments we are still requesting patients attend the department alone.

Do I need any to do anything before my appointment?

If there is any particular, preparation required for either your CT planning scan or your radiotherapy treatment it will be explained to you by your clinician at the time, you are consented for radiotherapy treatment,  and reiterated in a telephone call from the department prior to your CT planning scan. Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the Radiotherapy Patient Information line on (01482) 461206.

 Do I need to bring anything with me to my appointment?

It is always advisable to have a list of your current medication when attending any hospital appointment.  If you usually to take your medication at the times of your appointments, it is advised that you bring it with you.

 Can I eat and drink as normal?

Yes, unless you have been told not to do so, by either your clinician, at the point of your consent to radiotherapy treatment or if instructed by a member of the radiotherapy team prior to your radiotherapy CT planning scan.

Can I take my medication as normal?

Yes, unless you have been told not to do so by either your clinician the point of your consent to radiotherapy treatment or if instructed by a member of the radiotherapy team prior to your radiotherapy CT planning scan.

Will I need to have an injection?

Some scans require you to have an injection in order to improve the quality of the information on the scan. A member of the radiotherapy support team will explain the procedure prior to your CT planning appointment and/or when you arrive for your appointment. For all injections, you are required to have had a recent blood test. If this is not the case then you will have one before your CT planning scan, to check your kidney function before we proceed.

Will I be able to drive to and from my appointment?

Yes, unless you have specifically been instructed not to drive by your clinician.

Where can I park?

There are limited parking spaces directly in front of the Queen’s Centre; these are free for patients and relatives attending the Queen’s centre. However, there is a car park just a short walk from the Queen’s centre in front of the breast care unit.

How much will parking cost?

You can purchase a parking permit:

£10 per week

£15 two weeks

£20 per month, (four weeks).

Alternatively

• £2.00 for up to 1 hour
• £3.00 for 1 to 2 hours
• £5.00 for over 2 – 24 hours

Bus Routes

East Yorkshire Buses
Stagecoach

• 63– Hull Interchange to Castle Hill Hospital via Priory Road, Cottingham
• 80– Beverley to Hessle via Cottingham, Anlaby
• 104– Hull to Castle Hill Hospital via Newland Avenue, University, Cottingham
• 105– Hull to Castle Hill Hospital via Beverley Road, University, Cottingham
• 154* – Hull to Castle Hill Hospital via Anlaby Road, Willerby
• 180– Beverley to Cottingham via Walkington

* The 154 travels around the hospital site entering via Entrance 2 and exiting via Entrance 1 with several stops en route.

Can I get hospital transport?

Hospital transport is available for patients with a medical need that are attending for ‘active’ treatment.

Will I see my Clinician at these appointments?

You have already consented to your radiotherapy treatment and CT planning scan and your treatment will be delivered by our Radiotherapy Treatment team. However, if you become medically unwell during your visits to the department one of our medical oncology team will review you.

What do I do if I have COVID symptoms whilst on treatment?

If you have been in contact with a Covid positive person or you develop Covid, symptoms PLEASE telephone the department for advice before you attend.  You will still receive your treatment just at the end of the day to protect other patients and staff.

For further information, please refer to the Queen’s Centre website

https://www.hey.nhs.uk/queens/

Or

Radiotherapy Patient Support Team: (01482) 461206

Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm, excluding Bank Holidays.

If your call is unanswered, please leave a message and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as they are able to.

Email: hyp-tr.radiotherapy-information@nhs.net

 

This leaflet has been produced by the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and is available as a download:

Download the “Radiotherapy- Frequently Asked Questions Advice Sheet” leaflet