Question: What are day centre services and how do I access them?
Answer: Jeni Jones, Support Manager, Pancreatic
Cancer UK
As an NHS patient, you will have access, free of
charge, to day centre facilities and services. Often, these are
attached to the hospital you are attending for chemotherapy, or
when being followed up by an oncologist.
At the day centre, you will be able to access some
of the following services:
- relaxation therapy
- aromatherapy
- reflexology
- reiki
- spiritual support
- diversional therapy, such as arts and crafts,
gardening
- gentle exercise groups
- one on one support from the
staff.
Not all day centres will have every service
available, but there will be a variety of activities to choose
from. Some may offer more than the above list. You will be
able to meet other patients on a similar journey to you, though
maybe not with the same type of cancer.
The staff usually consist of nurses, and sometimes
occupational therapists who work closely alongside one another.
They can liaise with the oncology team if any problems arise e.g.
if you felt very unwell when attending, they can get access to your
care team straight away.
A day centre can be a great place to relax, and can
provide a break from staying at home. It can also provide a break
to the family members caring for you, and they can be confident
that you are in a safe place with professionals looking after you.
Many of the buildings are set in grounds away from the busy
hospital atmosphere, and so provide a good environment to
unwind.
Most day centres offer one day per week to users,
and transport may be provided in exceptional circumstances. You
will also usually get a meal there.
If you have a community Macmillan nurse, they will
be able to provide you with information and details of your local
facility. They will also be able to refer you to the day centre,
and the staff there will contact you to discuss what is on offer,
and arrange an introductory visit, if desired. If you do not have a
Macmillan nurse, then you can also ask your care team or GP to help
refer you.
You may also have a Maggie's Centre near to you.
These centres offer emotional and psychological support, relaxation
and stress management, information, benefits advice, and a range of
other support for living with cancer. You can locate a centre near
you on the Maggie's
website.