The environment isn’t fraught with the hustle and bustle of an oncology department
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer about 15 years ago after having a mammogram,” begins Jocelyn, who is retired. “I had radiotherapy at Colchester General before getting the ‘all clear’. Then 10 years ago, I had bowel cancer, followed by bone cancer.”
After the cancer had returned a third time, she’d heard of a new mobile service for cancer care near to where she lived in Stanway.
“I liked the sound of it as an alternative option for me to have my treatment, as it meant I wouldn’t have to trek across town any longer.”
While this journey for Jocelyn normally took around 15-20 minutes, traffic was always a problem and finding a space to park at the hospital even more challenging. This problem was compounded by building work being carried out which meant there were even fewer spaces available. Then invariably there was a long wait before her appointment. While she acknowledges this is “part and parcel” of a visit to hospital, it would often use up half of her day and it was time she felt she could put to better use.
With the unit, everything is there for you. It’s only down the road from me, I can park directly outside for free and they’re waiting for you. No navigating your way down a corridor or checking in at reception and sitting in a seat for a while.
Jocelyn receives IV chemo once a week, which takes around an hour and a half. “The time tends to go a lot quicker as you’re chatting to the nurse and it’s more relaxed. I’ll often just take a book with me and read. The environment isn’t fraught with the hustle and bustle of an oncology department and you don’t feel invisible. Staff have more time for you, although I appreciate the medical team at the hospital have to see so many patients in a day that it must be so difficult for them.”
What she also likes is that often, her time at the hospital was extended due to the fact that she would have to wait for the pharmacy to dispense her medication, while on the unit “they have it all ready and prepped for you.”
She continues: “The staff on the unit are all brilliant. The driver will make us a cup of tea and he always made sure I got back to my car. I can no longer drive myself, but it is easier for my friends to take me there than to the hospital being so much nearer.”
Pausing to think of one word to sum up the service, she smiles and says: “Wonderful”.
The environment isn’t fraught with the hustle and bustle of an oncology department
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer about 15 years ago after having a mammogram,” begins Jocelyn, who is retired. “I had radiotherapy at Colchester General before getting the ‘all clear’. Then 10 years ago, I had bowel cancer, followed by bone cancer.”
After the cancer had returned a third time, she’d heard of a new mobile service for cancer care near to where she lived in Stanway.
“I liked the sound of it as an alternative option for me to have my treatment, as it meant I wouldn’t have to trek across town any longer.”
While this journey for Jocelyn normally took around 15-20 minutes, traffic was always a problem and finding a space to park at the hospital even more challenging. This problem was compounded by building work being carried out which meant there were even fewer spaces available. Then invariably there was a long wait before her appointment. While she acknowledges this is “part and parcel” of a visit to hospital, it would often use up half of her day and it was time she felt she could put to better use.
With the unit, everything is there for you. It’s only down the road from me, I can park directly outside for free and they’re waiting for you. No navigating your way down a corridor or checking in at reception and sitting in a seat for a while.
Jocelyn receives IV chemo once a week, which takes around an hour and a half. “The time tends to go a lot quicker as you’re chatting to the nurse and it’s more relaxed. I’ll often just take a book with me and read. The environment isn’t fraught with the hustle and bustle of an oncology department and you don’t feel invisible. Staff have more time for you, although I appreciate the medical team at the hospital have to see so many patients in a day that it must be so difficult for them.”
What she also likes is that often, her time at the hospital was extended due to the fact that she would have to wait for the pharmacy to dispense her medication, while on the unit “they have it all ready and prepped for you.”
She continues: “The staff on the unit are all brilliant. The driver will make us a cup of tea and he always made sure I got back to my car. I can no longer drive myself, but it is easier for my friends to take me there than to the hospital being so much nearer.”
Pausing to think of one word to sum up the service, she smiles and says: “Wonderful”.
