New cancer service reduces duration of treatment

A hospital has revealed a new service which allows patients with advanced cancer to receive treatment more quickly and removes the requirement for a night in hospital.

The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust received funding which paid for the nurse-led service at the Chilworth Day Unit.

Previously, patients admitted for treatment to drain fluid spent an average of just over four and a half days in hospital, but now they can return home on the same day.

Emma Masters, lead nurse for systemic anti-cancer therapy at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, said: "Being able to offer patients quicker treatment, ease their symptoms and help them return home the same day has been enormously rewarding."

"Time is precious, and this is never more apparent than when someone is living with advanced cancer," she added.

"Patients have told us how much they appreciate not having to stay in hospital. We also work hard to make their visits to Chilworth as relaxed and comfortable as possible."

Some people with advanced cancer experience a build-up of fluid in their abdomen, which can cause pain, swelling, breathlessness, and difficulty eating or sleeping, explained the hospital.

Previously, these patients needed to be admitted to the oncology ward before having the fluid drained by a specialist team.

With hospital beds in high demand, this could result in longer waits for treatment and unnecessary discomfort.

In the first two months, 16 patients benefited from the new service.

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