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While you are receiving treatment at the Royal Free London, you should have a named contact or specialist cancer nurse.
If you do not know who they are, please ask your clinical team who will explain your cancer and its treatment plan to you.
You can contact any of our Macmillan cancer information and support centres for more information or visit the following websites:
• NHS: cancer care and treatment
• Macmillan Cancer Support
• Cancer Research UK
• Marie Curie (for information on palliative care or advanced cancer)
As part of your personalised cancer care, you will be offered a holistic needs assessment (HNA) with a member of your clinical team.
An HNA is a discussion about any concerns you may have and allows you to highlight what matters to you.
You will also create your personalised plan of care during this time. Please speak to your nurse or Macmillan support worker if you have any concerns about this.
Most cancer types have an associated patient support organisation or charity. To find out more about these, ask your Macmillan cancer information and support centre for more information.
Once you have received a cancer diagnosis you can get free prescriptions. Ask your GP, clinical team or Macmillan information centre about applying.
If you have already received, or are undergoing tests to confirm, a cancer diagnosis, you may be eligible for concessionary parking at our hospitals. Find out more by searching for the hospital or site you're visiting via our locations page, or click the links below for parking information for our three hospitals.
Support during your hospital stay
Being a cancer patient on a ward can often feel lonely and isolating. The services below are available to you as an inpatient at our trust:
The chaplaincy-spiritual care team
For everyone of any faith, belief, or philosophy of life. The team can be contacted to visit you on the ward, or they have weekly services.
Complementary therapy massage
Patients with any medical condition may be able to have massage and can be referred for treatment by a member of their multi-disciplinary team (the Royal Free Hospital only).
The Royal Free Charity’s volunteers are on the wards during daytime hours and may help with small tasks. They are also good listeners if you are feeling alone and need someone to talk to.
Read more about staying in our hospitals.
After your hospital stay
There are voluntary organisations that offer support at home and other services once you have been discharged from hospital.
Home support
The following organisations offer support at home to complement any discharge packages in place:
The Red Cross can provide a support at home service. Call 0808 196 3651 to find out what is available in your area.
Age UK offer many services including home help and other information and advice.
Call the advice line on 0800 678 1602 between 8am-7pm every day of the year to find out what’s available in your area.
Befriending support
After you leave you hospital, you may feel lonely and isolated. The following organisations offer befriending services:
Macmillan Cancer Support offers a Buddies scheme for patients with cancer which can be telephone-based, or sometimes in-person.
The Silver Line helpline on 0800 470 8090 is a free, 24-hour telephone service for older people. They offer friendship, support, and a listening ear.
Age UK offer many services for anyone over 55 including befriending. Call the advice line on 0800 678 1602 from 8am-7pm every day of the year to ask about what is available in your area.
The Red Cross support line is staffed by experienced Red Cross volunteers who can provide emotional support in more than 200 languages. The support line is free and confidential and is available from 10am-6pm daily. Call 0808 196 3651 to speak to a friendly Red Cross support line volunteer.
