Greetings - I have been encouraged by others to post this topic although I am not convinced that the moderators will allow it to stay as it will be naming Hospitals.
I will start the ball rolling.
I attend Preston Royal Hosptial for my chemotherapy - from day one I was told I could get a free parking permit for both Preston and Chorley Hospital and that I could park in any of the disabled spots if I needed to. On my treatment days I can take a friend or relative in with me (chemo buddy) and they are offered free refreshments during the duration of the stay. Also, I was not restricted at all on my choice of wig which I understand I would had to pay extra if I was referred by Wigan Hospital.
Which hospital do you attend, and what are their policies on the above matters?
I DO hope the moderators leave this as I do think this is important.
The Christie Hospital charges everyone (minimum £1.50) except private patients and finding a parking place is an absolute nightmare if you get there after 9am.
I can park for free at worcester. I had a ‘wig token’ to take to the local wig shop and had the full range to choose from. That’s the good news. The bad news is … I get offered tea nd coffee nd sometimes a sandwich. But they look like left overs nd my chemo buddy does not get offered anything. I’ve heard of people having full hot meals on chemo day but not in worcester! Costa coffee does a roaring trade!!
Free parking (for everyone) if you can find a space (I live in walking distance so don’t know if there are time limits but think they may be 4 hours) but only about 5 mins walk from both railway and bus stops
Allowed a friend/relative in with you for first chemo only
Free refreshments/light lunch (sandwiches, fruit, juice/milk, yogurts (confused me cos I was told they were banned!) and biscuits) if you are there at the appropriate time, served by delightful English volunteer lady (friend can get a free cuppa during first drugging). Can take in your own snacks too.
People come incredible distances for rads (from islands via ferry, train and bus) so are given accomodation either at hospital or hotel up the road - for patient only. If they come very long distances they can reclaim some travel costs via local health boards I think.
Wigs are free in Scotland - I was given a list of approved suppliers to choose from and a voucher to purchase with.
Edit: Tak Tent on site service for complimentary therapies/counselling etc. McMillan support on site. Maggies centre - about 2 miles away but smart new one being built on site.
I was very very happy with what I was offered in all aspects.
My chemo starts 19 September - and hospital have said park in the ‘pink’ zone get a ticket like normal and once finished that days chemo then take ticket to reception and they will swap it for another freebie one, so you can get out the gates without paying.
Dorset County Hospital
6 months free parking for chemo patients, with special parking area.still not always parking space.
No chemo buddy
Free drinks during chemo and sandwiches at lunch… could be nicer!
Wigs… I dont know didnt bother
Goodie bag from BCN when leaving hos after MX which included thingy to fit on car seatbelt which helped to protect scar.
I’m at RPH too ST as you know and I’m very grateful to all they provide, for me and chemo buddy too (if enough food left at lunchtime for them also).
My onc has also referred me for course of 6 complimentary holistic therapies on the chemo ward too, I’ve had 2 so far, are beneficial and are a very relaxing experience and help mentally - I get my bloods done at the same time and can kill 2 birds with one stone - they don’t do it on my chemo day though, so is an extra day out.
I am with Ipswich hospital, have a voucher for parking, although depending on time of day very difficult to find space. Can have someone in chemo unit with me all the time, provided with tea, coffee, hot choc, water. Wig paid for by hospital. Went to wig specialist and had fantastic choice of any. Given free aromatherapy massage. Staff wonderfull. All in all am more than satisfied, I am getting much more than I ever expected.
Clatterbridge Hospital for me free parking in oncology dept. Free tea coffee biscuits and sandwiches from WRVS? depending on time you have chemo. Can take someone with you and they get refreshments too ( Not sandwich!!) You can also get a buzzer and go out of the waiting area if you want and they buzz you when it is your turn. Also in the afternoons another volunteer does arm / foot massages only had one but very nice!!! All in all very impressed and everyone is lovely x
Parking £2 min, no exemptions but there is a park and ride at Canterbury and you can also buy a weekly ticket but both these options cost more that parking for 2hrs.
I had a wig lady and had no restrictions on my choice but had to pay £60 towards it (normal cost £150) I have a lovely wig that looks better than my own hair! I could have a chemo buddy and there was free tea, coffee and biscuits, if you are there over lunch the patient gets a sandwich box but the buddy does not. It is not bad and definitely not left overs.
Hi Supertrouper, like you I am at Preston and Chorley Hospitals, can’t fault them, it has helped me enormously to find a space which is close to the oncology block, and also that the refreshments are offered to my partner is very good.
Jean
Hi Supertrooper,
Just an update re Wigan, the Oncology Unit provide a free parking pass for the duration of the chemotherapy, in addition if you are attending the Linacre Suite for your bloods, there is no parking charge,plus your bloods are done immediately and you do not have to sit in the waiting area due to the infection risk. As regards wigs, I was given a vouchure and able to select the wig of my choice.
I have to say that despite the challenges of chemotherapy I rated the experience as first rate.
I’m able to have chemo at Spire because my wage package includes PMI; I don’t get it cos I’m rich, I’m on SSP.
Parking free at Spire; very expensive at Jimmy’s.
No mention of wig voucher - just given leaflets for a few wig shops. Wasn’t told about free prescriptions; found out on here.
Not told about Macmillan but *was* told about the Haven.
At Spire - chemo buddy allowed. Both get tea/coffee. Both get offer of a snack lunch or a butty if you are there for several hours but I usually just get toast as I don’t feel like a butty during poisoning. If tea doesn’t get offered often enough, there is a coffee machine in reception.
There is a Costa in Jimmy’s oncology wing which is expensive but a nice treat.
I attend Leicester Royal, parking is a nightmere, getting into the car park takes forever, queuing for ages. First 30min. is free then it gets expensive. I am taking oral chemo so just have to go along to collect it every three weeks, am there at least 2 hours, they are so busy not room for chemo buddies for those that need them.
East & North HErts (Lister & QE2 Hospitals)… no parking concessions that I know about, (though I’ve overheard other patients say you put in the min (£1.90) and put a note in to say you’re having chemo and they leave you alone). You (and your chemo-mate) get copious cups of coffee/tea - no food though. Volunteer goes up and down to pharmacy for you. That’s chemo… rads are done (for me) at Mount Vernon, where you can buy parking tokens for £1 which lasts 24 hours. Easy for patients methinks… Wigs - was given a voucher to a shop but it nowhere near covered the cost (free choice of wigs, but I think they were £90+ and we had to pay £60)
Hi All
I like Sadie have chemo at Worcester Royal but I go on Fridays different consultant to Sadie, I have to take my parking ticket to the office and it costs £1.
can have chemo buddy & get offered tea & biscuits.
Tomorrow is my 2nd time so will see if anything different, I have a line so DN does the hoods on the Thursday, last time I was there for 8.25 hours! It was so tiring.
As Sadie had a wig voucher and quite like it.
Only problem is if I’m poorly between sessions I have to go down to Cheltenham ( when I had original BC all treatment chemo & rads were there & I found the waiting area v depressing). Had my line fitted there this time & already been down as v poorly - parking nightmare & v expensive so praying don’t have to go again!
Souper Trouper it’s amazing how different hospitals are - good forum v interesting
Hi
Just completed my radiotherapy at St James (Jimmys) in Leeds. All parking costs were free for anyone with cancer and having treatments/appts - a great saving.
Hiya. I’m at Cheltenham Onc, and Gloucester Royal.
I cannot fault either. Parking is free at Chelt for us. The whole place is bright and friendly. Staff great. No chemo buddy allowed after first treatment and there are often delays. We have a Maggies centre near by, and the FOCUS shop has Mac books. Wig people, and they will arrange massage courses and Reiki for you, I can have 6 sessions and will try that for my impending Rads. Hot drinks are made for you in the chemo suite.
Gloucester Royal. Parking is at the new multi story car park. About £10 a day or £1.60 an hour. I’ve had surgery there. Day ward was a little ‘grey’ but so was my mood! Staff kind and helpful and in outpatients, just as nice. Costa Coffee is very expensive at £3 something for a latte. I pay 95p in Chelt.
Our Ocy place is Chelt, and it serves the Three Counties, and i’m happy and content there. Would recomend it.
Hi
I had chemo at Monklands General Hospital (Airdrie Scotland) which was close enough from home for Hubby to drop me off in the morn on his way to work and for me to get taxi home at lunchtime. There is free parking there but it is a nightmare to find a space. No buddy as rooms were always very busy. Free hot drinks offered as was lunch. My rads were at the Beatson in Glasgow and I was lucky enough to find a space everyday (parking free). I was given a list of wig shops and had to inform my BCN which one I had chosen and she sent all paperwork to shop.
There is a Maggies centre at Wishaw General but I prefered to visit the one in Glasgow. I pop in for coffee and a chat, have had financial advice and also had my LGFB class there.
This is an interesting thread, it just shows you the differences in hospitals/regions/countries.
Lizz xx
I am having my chemo every 2 weeks at Worthing Hospital, West Sussex,There is a voucher system for free parking for those having chemo, just outside the right entrance too.
Chemo buddy is welcome, tea and coffee provided, but no food. There is a League of Friends cafe and shop.
MacMillan leaflets on display and a number for info, but I’ve never seen anyone.
I did get a voucher for a wig, choice of 2 shops, TRENDCO in Brighton/Hove (I went there as I know it is a major supplier for cancer hair loss customers throughout the Country. I had a private appointment. The lady I saw was patient, friendly and helpful. She had had BC herself 6 years previously) or a wig shop in Worthing.
The voucher covered the whole cost.
Rads will be at Brighton Hospital (long way to drive, public transport even worse - already worried about that)
I’ve been told parking is available opposite the Sussex Cancer Centre for Rads patients £1 a time and complementary therapy treatments can be booked free of charge.
All in all I’m very pleased with all the treatment I’ve received so far although no contact from the BCNs since chemo started, but then I haven’t contacted them either.
If you ring their number and leave a message they do ring back.
I could have a chemo buddy and there was free tea, coffee and biscuits, if you are there over lunch the patient gets a sandwich box but the buddy does not. It is not bad and definitely not left overs.