Cancer services

Our cancer service is responsible for identifying the type of cancer a person may have and providing therapy and treatments. We provide high quality clinical care that addresses the physical, emotional and supportive needs of our patients throughout their cancer journey.

Care is delivered by a team of surgeons, oncologists, haematologists, Macmillan specialist nurses and support workers. These services are supported by a wide range of professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists, social worker, counsellors and our administration team.

Oncology treatment services are based in the Macmillan Cancer Care Unit, a purpose-built haematology and oncology facility which consists of Lawrence Ward and Galton Day Unit.

Help and support can be found on the Macmillan Cancer Support website.

Additional information and resources can be found on the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance website.

Macmillan Cancer Care Unit

The Macmillan cancer care unit comprises of Lawrence Ward and Galton Day Unit (GDU). It is dedicated to supporting patients diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Lawrence Ward is an inpatient facility; equipped with private rooms and bedded bays designed specifically for our haematology and oncology patients. Galton Day Unit specialises in providing chemotherapy and other specialist oncology treatments and benefits from a dedicated exterior entrance and drop off point. There is a Macmillan Information Centre to support patients, and a tranquil garden space is available to use by patients attending the unit and ward.

We take a holistic, personalised approach to each patient, providing high quality clinical care and supporting patients and their families with advice and information. We signpost to a variety of services aimed at enhancing patients’ overall well-being according to their individual needs.

Clinical support is delivered by consultant oncologists, haematologists and specialist nurses, working alongside a team of administrators and volunteers. The unit is supported by a wide range of Macmillan professionals such as clinical nurse specialists, cancer support workers, social worker, counsellors, dieticians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and pharmacists.

Breast Care Unit

We aim to find signs of breast cancer early through the unit’s breast screening and symptomatic care clinics, which are available to both women and men upon referral from a GP.

Breast cancer is often thought of as something that only affects women, but men can get it in rare cases. If you are worried about  breast cancer symptoms, please make an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible. If detected early there’s a good chance of recovery.

If necessary, your GP will refer you to the unit for more tests. This may include X-ray, ultrasound or biopsy tests.