Teenage and Young Adult
We aim to improve the experience of people aged 16-24 years with a cancer diagnosis.
Working alongside the Haematology and Oncology teams, we provide age-appropriate care and emotional, psychological and social support to young people and their families. We recognise that young people have different needs and priorities for older or younger patients. We hope to get to know you and work with you to meet these needs and improve your experience.
Through the support of the Teenage Cancer Trust, we have rooms on both the Weybourne Day Unit and Mulbarton Ward designed for young people. We can also provide you with a media unit or activities to help make your time during treatment easier.
Teenagers under 19 years old may have most of their treatment on the Teenage and Young Adult Unit at Cambridge University Hospital, where they specialise in treating young people with cancer and have access to age-appropriate facilities. Young adults aged between 19 and 24 years can choose to have their treatment either here at the NNUH, or on the Teenage and Young Adult Unit at Cambridge. You can talk with either your treating team or your TYA nurse about place of care; we will be able to support you in making this decision and arrange visits to the Unit and team.
We run a monthly support group with the Big C, called Free2be; it offers the opportunity to meet other young people in similar situations. We run events and activities throughout the year, in the past, we have organised escape room evenings, craft nights, crazy golf and tubing events.
Services offered
- 1 to 1 sessions in person or over the telephone, where you can discuss any worries or concerns you may have
- Acting as a source of age-appropriate advice and expertise providing specialist, individualised holistic care
- Offering you an assessment to identify any financial, practical and emotional concerns you may have. This is known as a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA)
- To provide Specialist Nursing advice and support to you and your family following diagnosis and through all stages of treatment
- Visiting you in clinic or on wards whilst you are having treatments or appointments to discuss your ongoing care
- Supporting you to navigate your cancer pathway and promote a culture that supports self-management of the on-going consequences of treatment
- To communicate with all specialty teams to ensure cohesive management of your care
- Helping you to gain the confidence to get back to leading an active life after treatment
- Liaising with schools, universities and employers and referring to relevant support services including counselling, welfare and benefits advice
- Supporting young people transitioning from Paediatric care into the Adult Cancer Service
Staff
Lead Consultant Dr Angela Collins
Clinical Nurse Specialist Holly Bawtree
If you need to contact your Clinical Nurse Specialist, please call 07874 634449
MDT Co-ordinator Julie Bryson
Patient support services
Macmillan Benefits Advice Service
Local advisors who can give support and information regarding money worries.
Big C Cancer Charity Support and Information Centre
The Big C offers many complimentary therapies, financial and emotional support, and support groups for people affected by all types of cancer.