Ambulatory care allows you to have a variety of treatment, including high dose chemotherapy, without having to stay in hospital overnight.
If you are eligible, rather than staying in hospital as an inpatient for your treatment, you will have your treatment on the Haematology Ambulatory Care Unit (HACU), based at the end of the Haematology Ward. At night you will be able to stay in the comfort of your own home.
To be eligible, you must-
• Live within 60 minutes travel time to Blackpool Teaching Hospital.
• Have a relative or friend who can drive you to the hospital at any time; day or night if you are unable to do so.
• Have a mobile phone so we can contact you at any time and for you to be able to contact us when required.
• Require treatment suitable for ambulatory care.
• You will receive the same treatment as you would on the inpatient ward, however, most of your treatment will be given between the hours of 8am and 8pm.
• Your treatment may be administered through a compact portable pump (CADD) which is easily transportable using a specifically designed rucksack or shoulder bag. The CADD pump will deliver chemotherapy to a strict schedule set up by the nurses during your appointment. This will allow you more freedom with daily life in between appointments.
• You will continue to have full access to nursing and medical care. Staying at home in between treatment appointments offers you a more comfortable and relaxed environment to rest.
• You can spend time at home with family and friends.
• Staying in your own home will hopefully help you to continue with a more normal homelife whilst also giving you privacy and independence.
Whilst you are coming to HACU car parking is free, for the majority of your treatment.
• When you arrive at the car park, take a token.
• Ask on the HACU for a car parking permit form.
• Take the completed form back down to the car park reception desk.
If you require assistance, please press the button on the barrier.
There is also a drop off zone outside the Woman’s and Children’s Entrance.
In your first visit to the HACU, we will make sure you fully understand your treatment, how it is given, side-effects of your treatment and what to do if you become unwell. We will also discuss the chemotherapy CADD pump explaining how it works and give you all the information you need to know about it. You will be able to ask any questions in this visit and also at any other point by utilising the contact numbers.
A typical day on the unit-
• You will be given treatment appointment times to attend on certain days.
• On days you are not required to come into the unit, we will call you to triage over the phone.
• Each visit, you will be assessed by a nurse: we will check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, weight and a physical assessment.
• Please tell your nurse if you have any side-effects such as; nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fatigue.
• You may also have a daily blood test.
• Other investigations may be carried out if required.
• You will have your chemotherapy treatment, an additional intravenous fluids, blood or platelet transfusions as required.
• You will be seen by a senior nurse each day.
• A light lunch (usually soup and a sandwich) will be offered to you at lunchtime whilst you are on the unit. You will have access to tea/coffee and cold drinks during the day.
• If you have any allergies or specific dietary needs please tell the nursing staff, or if you require any supplement drinks.
You may be given new medications to take home with you. Your nurse will explain what these are for, including how and when to take them.When attending for treatment, please bring any regular medications that you would take normally at home as staff will need to see these during your visit.This will ensure you do not miss any medications that are due whilst attending the HACU for your appointment. Nurses on the unit can answer any questions you may have.
When the unit is closed, the nurses on the Haematology Ward will be your point of contact. They will have access to your notes in case of any events. The number listed at the back of the booklet provides a quick and direct way to speak to a senior chemotherapy nurse who can triage your call and arrange any assessments for you.
If you develop any of the following symptoms whilst at home or in the HACU, it is crucial that you tell/contact the nurses straight away:
• Shivers or flushing.
• Temperatures 37.5C and above.
• Persistent episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
• Shortness of breath or any difficulty with your breathing.
• Red area or pain around your central line.
If you are unwell out of opening hours:
• Telephone the Haematology Ward nurses- phone number listed at back of booklet.
• Explain you are receiving treatment in Ambulatory Care.
• Clearly specify any symptoms you are experiencing.
• Explain any problems with the CADD pump.
• You will receive prompt nursing advice from trained nursing staff.
If you are having persistent problems with your CADD pumpyou must contact the Haematology Unit.
An emergency is any urgent situation where you require immediate medical and nursing assistance.
If you require urgent medical attention:
• Call 999 immediately.
• Detail your symptoms and location.
• Tell 999 call holder you are receiving Ambulatory Chemotherapy.
• Ask your carer/companion to ring Haematology Ambulatory Care Unit or the Haematology Ward to make us aware.
There may be times during your Ambulatory treatment where it is necessary to admit you into the inpatient Haematology Ward. This is to ensure you are monitored more closely or to receive treatments that we are unable to manage in an Ambulatory setting.
Following your treatment within Ambulatory Unit, you will remain under the care of the unit for blood tests and central line care. Upon discharge from Ambulatory Care Unit you will be given information regarding who to call for any queries you may have and also your next appointments.
The Macmillan support team is situated within the Macmillan Windmill Unit on the First Floor of Womens and Children’s Unit, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals. They can offer a wide variety of support services. You can drop in any time between 09:30am and 4pm Monday-Friday or contact them on 01253955710.
If you need help or advice at any time please call:
Ambulatory Care Unit-
Monday –Friday 8am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm
Telephone: 01253 952344
When the HACU is closed, please call-
Haematology Ward (Reception) 01253 953403
Haematology Ward (Nurse In Charge) 01253 957284
