A diagnosis of cancer and the treatment that follows can affect how you and those close to you feel and cope. Our service is open to those affected by a diagnosis of cancer, whether you are the patient, family member, partner, carer or relative and are having treatment in our hospitals.

As a team, we understand that cancer can affect not just the body but the whole person. We offer a space to talk about the worries and concerns you may have about your diagnosis and treatment. This can often help to relieve some of the painful feelings and distress in order for you to find improved ways of coping. 

You can be seen on your own, as a couple or as a family.

Key telephone numbers

Reception: 01708 435 360

What types of treatment are available?

We offer one to one sessions or group work, whatever is best suited to your needs.

Preparing for your appointment

Clinic locations

Queen’s Hospital, Romford

• Appointments are available Monday to Friday

King George Hospital, Ilford

• Appointments are available Tuesday and Thursday

Key staff

Dr Marc Kingsley, Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Dr Sylvia Puchalska, Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Rajindar Sahota-Dhillon, Specialist Psychologist

Referrals

This service is only available for patients under the care of an oncologist or haematologist based at our hospitals.

Other information

These are some of the issues we can help with

• Dealing with a diagnosis of cancer
• Learning to live with cancer
• Survivorship: psychological factors related to life after cancer remission
• Coping with cancer related treatment and it’s effects
• Depression
• Coping with anger
• Anxiety and panics attacks
• Relationships and sexual problems
• Coping with adjustment, change and uncertainty
• Body Image concerns
• Caring for someone with cancer
• Coping with bereavement and loss

You can ask your consultant, clinical nurse specialist, radiographer, chemotherapy nurse, clinic nurse, Macmillan cancer information manager or any of the team looking after you to refer you.

When we receive the referral, someone from the team will contact you and offer a first appointment.

During this first appointment, you will be able to talk about your difficulties and concerns. You will also be able to discuss and decide together whether further appointments might be helpful or what might be the best way forward for you.

The number of appointments offered will depend on your needs this could be anything from one appointment to ongoing support during and or after your treatment.