This page provides important information to patients, relatives and carers before starting any systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) and why we complete pre assessments.

It is important to attend any appointments you are given. Please feel free to bring somebody with you.

The information given at pre assessment will be crucial in how to stay safe whilst on treatment.

What is pre-assessment?

Our pre-assessment will be carried out with a group of up to six patients. You can bring a relative, friend or carer with you.

At this appointment, you will be shown a short video. The video is available by scanning the QR code below, so it can be watched again at any point through your treatment and also shown to other relatives or carers.

It is also useful if you have a treatment break, that you can re-watch the video before restarting treatment.

Why do we carry out pre-assessments?

The national guidelines highlight the importance of everybody having a pre assessment before starting SACT.

It is important that all patients, relatives and carers are given the correct information regarding their treatment, what to expect, information about side effects and who to contact if you have any problems.

It is also important that we carry out a holistic needs assessment, so that we can strive to meet all of your needs and answer any queries which you may have.

Pre-assessment videos

Please find the pre-assessment videos below for your treatment.

Chemotherapy pre-assessment

Immunotherapy pre-assessment

During your pre-assessment

At your pre assessment we will:

• Take your height and weight
• Take some baseline blood samples
• Show you a short video
• Give you an information pack for home
• Signpost you to any other support services available

Other important information

In order to avoid unnecessary delays to your appointment and to ensure your treatment is made in advance of your arrival we ask you have your bloods done ahead of your appointment. You can have your bloods taken at the hospital or some GP practices may offer this service.

• Chemotherapy patients – up to three days before (if you are having weekly chemotherapy, please don’t get your bloods done more than 24 hours before your appointment).
  
• Immunotherapy patients – up to five days before.

If you are having combined treatment – please follow the Chemotherapy blood guidelines above.

For further information

Ward 33

0191 213 7033

Ward 34

0191 213 7034

Ward 35

0191 213 7035

(Ward 33, 34 and 35 opening hours: 24 hours a day)

Ward 36

0191 213 7036

(Opening Hours 8am – 7pm, 7 days a week)

NCCC Outpatients

0191 213 8420

(Opening Hours 8am – 6pm, Monday-Friday)