Your Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) Care at Derriford Hospital
Date issued: August 2024
For review: August 2026
Ref: C-584/HH/Oncology/Your Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) Care at Derriford Hospital v2
PDF: Your Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) Care at Derriford Hospital v2.pdf[pdf] 618KB
Coming to Plymouth
On the advice of your consultant, you have been invited to come to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth for part of your cancer care.
The centre has a team of expert doctors, nurses and support staff, that treat patients from all over Devon and Cornwall, who will carry out your care and treatment and look after you until you are fit to return to the care of your local hospital.
We appreciate that life may feel like an emotional rollercoaster at the moment. You may have many questions and anxieties about the treatments, your hospital stay, parking, accommodation, support and financial concerns, etc.
This booklet has been prepared to answer many of these questions and more. We hope it will supplement the information given to you by your doctors and specialist nurse.
We also hope your relatives, and close friends, will use this to help them understand the services and support available at Derriford Hospital.
It may not cover all your concerns, if you have any other questions or worries after reading this booklet, please don’t hesitate to contact one of the staff listed on the last page.
Your Treatment Plan
The Plymouth team work closely with staff at other hospitals across Devon and Cornwall to make sure patients get the right care at the right place.
If you would like written details of your management plan please contact your local specialist nurse.
Your key worker
You should already have met your clinical nurse specialist (the key worker responsible for co-ordinating your care at your local hospital) they will liaise with your Plymouth team to ensure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible.
When you have completed your stay, the TYA service can liaise with your local TYA specialist nurse. Your follow-up care will then, as far as possible, take place locally to you.
For the number of your local TYA specialist nurse see page 25.
TYA Service Information
For patients coming from outside of Plymouth, your local Teenage and Young Adult Specialist Nurse (TYA) will also be available to you throughout your stay.
Having treatment in a strange hospital environment can feel a little unnerving, but please let us reassure you that our TYA nurses are part of one big regional team and are in regular contact with the TYA team in your own hospital.
When you come for appointments here, the TYA nurses will come and introduce themselves. Where this isn’t possible, they will try and call you on the phone before you arrive and give you the chance to ask questions. Once you have been admitted to our hospital, the TYA nurses aim to visit you at least 2-3 times a week.
Whilst our TYA nurses are not specialists in any particular type of cancer, they are experts in supporting young people with cancer. They work alongside the medical and ward nursing teams to ensure that you receive the best possible care whilst you are with us.
Their focus is on helping you maintain some semblance of normality through a difficult time, being your voice and helping you question and understand what is happening to you. They also extend their support to your family and loved one’s and are here to help you navigate your stay in Plymouth.
Your local TYA Nurse Specialist contact details
Hannah Heayn
TYA Specialist Nurse
Tel: 01752 433340 / 07769282561
Email: hannahheayn@nhs.net
Lucy Figg
TYA Specialist Nurse
Tel: 01752 433340 / 07769282561
Email: lucy.figg@nhs.net
Nicola Clapson
TYA Specialist Nurse
Tel: 07789 922279
Email: Nicola.clapson@nhs.net
Lorraine Beddard
TYA Specialist Nurse
Tel: 07717 325391
Email: Lorraine.beddard@nhs.net
Young Lives vs Cancer: Social Worker
No one understands the impact of being diagnosed with cancer as a teenager or young adult more than you. What we do know is that it messes with parts of your life that are important, and having help and advice with those things can make a massive difference.
Young lives vs Cancer social workers can support you, here are some of the ways they offer support:
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Emotional support
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Education
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Employment
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Housing
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Benefits (PIP/Blue Badge)
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Financial Grants
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Wishes and Treats
If you decide to be supported, you may meet your ‘Young Lives’ social worker when you are diagnosed, or they may contact you remotely, they can explain all this to you in more detail and guide you through anything you are unsure of.
Contact details for ‘Young Lives Vs Cancer’
Tel: 0300 303 5220 (Monday to Friday, 9amto 5pm)
Email: GetSupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Online chat (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)
CNS Team information
Transplant/Haematology CNS Team
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Suzanne Greep, 01752 431204
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Juan De Cruz, 07766 367 251
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Rhoda Bevan, Bleep 81042
Neurosurgery CNS Team
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Helen Cooper, 01752 431210
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Lara Blanchard, Bleep 81513
Sarcoma CNS Team
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Liz Ridgeway, 01752 433225
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Olivia Trott, Bleep 81207
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Wards
You will be cared for on either Bracken, Lynher or Erme Ward. We aim to look after our young people in small bays or cubicles.
Ward contact details
Please call Derriford Hospital on (01752) 202082 and you will be put through to the ward you request.
Volunteers
They are dressed in orange and are often found at the front entrance greeting patients and their families, if you need help, advice and directions please feel free to ask.
Ward visiting times
We actively encourage visiting and the involvement of visitors and carers while patients are in hospital. Keeping in contact with friends and relatives is an important part of a patient’s treatment, care and recovery.
Ward visiting times vary by ward, please speak to the ward staff for more details.
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Visiting times may be extended for compassionate reasons
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Visiting times are restricted occasionally to allow patients to rest and for care and treatment to be carried out.
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If you have a special need or request, please speak to the TYA nurses, who will support you and help make arrangements to suit your needs.
For TYA patients you can often, after discussion with the ward, use a reclining chair or camp bed to stay over.
When not to visit
Please do not visit if you are not feeling well, or have been exposed to any infection. Symptoms such as coughs, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can easily spread to vulnerable patients and make their condition worse. If you have symptoms of diarrhoea or sickness, please do not visit the hospital until you have been better for 48 hours.
If the hospital is experiencing difficulties with an outbreak of infection, please do not bring young children or frail, elderly visitors. They may be at particular risk from the infection.
Communication with the family
If one member of the family is nominated to ring for information, then feeds back to the rest of the family, this puts less pressure on ward staff.
If you wish to see a doctor to discuss your relative’s condition, please talk to the ward clerk or ring the ward to arrange an appointment.
NB Due to confidentiality, a patient’s diagnosis cannot be discussed over the telephone.
Personal food
Cold snacks, biscuits, juice etc can be brought in for patients, but please do not use glass containers. For safety reasons, meals brought in cannot be warmed through. Although discussions with the ward is advised to see if this is possible.
Mobile telephones / WiFi / Gadgets
The use of mobiles phones is possible in most parts of the hospital unless clearly signposted.
*Please note that free WiFi is available within the hospital, however, the connection can be slow so we recommend downloading films and programs before your admission.*
What to bring with you
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Inhaler, tablets or medicines you are taking.
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Night clothes, slippers (non-slip) and dressing gown.
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Comfortable day clothes; trousers, t-shirts, cardigans/jumpers
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Toiletries (e.g. towel, non-perfumed soap/shower gel, flannel, toothbrush, hairbrush, wet wipes).
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Pillow, quilt, spare pillow/quilt covers (this is optional, some patients prefer their own)
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Glasses/hearing aids/contact lenses if you use them.
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Photos of loved ones
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Chargers for mobile phones/iPads etc
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Books/magazines
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Individual drinks/squash/cordial
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Individually wrapped snacks; sweets, biscuits, cakes
On Bracken, all single rooms are equipped with a TV, Radio and mini fridge. You are also welcome to bring a games console during your stay.
Please try to avoid bringing valuables or large sums of money into hospital. If this is not possible, please give them to the nurse to take to the cashier’s office for safekeeping.
We cannot accept responsibility for items that are lost, if you don’t ask us to look after them.
Smoking
The Trust is a smoke-free environment. If you would like support to give up smoking, contact:
Plymouth Smoking Advice Service (01752) 314040
The NHS Smoking Quit line 0800 169 0 169
Hand hygiene
Please take note of the advice about hand hygiene, which is displayed throughout wards and departments.
Hand gel is available outside all wards for everyone to use. Please help to minimise the risk of infection by using this. If the container is empty, please tell a member of staff.
Flowers
Flower water can carry infection risk to patients who are susceptible. Flowers themselves can also cause allergic reactions for some patients. For this reason, flowers are not allowed. Please speak to a member of staff if you have any questions.
Parking and Transport
There are a number of car parks for patients and visitors on the Derriford Hospital site. Parking charges apply 24 hours a day.
Find more information about:
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Parking charges
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Paying for parking
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Disabled parking
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Free and discounted parking (including travel expenses)
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Healthcare travel costs scheme
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Unexpected stays
Go to our transport and parking page
Drop-off bays
Drop-off and collection bays are available around the hospital entrances. View the Derriford Hospital site map.
Other funding for travel costs
If you need further support please contact your local specialist nurse who will be able to provide information regarding any local arrangements with funding for accommodation and transport.
If patients are visiting Birch for their first consultation, or any day case treatments, they will be given a pink appointment card. This allows free parking whilst we are seeing or reviewing them. This is both before a transplant or after their transplant.
You can also contact your ‘Young Lives vs Cancer’ social worker for further financial advice.
Accommodation for Relatives
The Lodge at Derriford is a purpose-built accommodation for relatives and friends of patients undergoing treatment in Derriford Hospital. It is a few minutes' walk from the hospital. The Lodge was originally built by HeartsTogether South West, a local charity that raises money for the South West Cardiothoracic Centre, to accommodate relatives of patients undergoing heart surgery at the SWCC. It now welcomes relatives and friends of any patients at Derriford.
Facilities include:
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Single rooms or twin rooms with ensuite
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Ensuite bedroom designed for those with disabilities
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1 full size bathroom, 1 shower room designed for those with disabilities
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Large south facing lounge and dining area
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Kitchen with microwave, oven, fridge and freezer
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Complimentary breakfast provided
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On-site counselling service
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Telephone in every bedroom for internal calls to wards at Derriford
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Payphone in reception
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Courtesy bus service between Derriford and The Lodge, available at specified times, on request
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Laundry service available
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No smoking
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Payment by cash, cheque or credit card
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Free WiFi and parking
There is an accommodation charge for relatives and friends. Patients who stay in the Lodge on the day of admission for surgery will not be charged.
Applications via:
The Lodge
7 Blunts Lane
Plymouth, Devon
PL6 8BE
Email: bookingenquiries@thelodgederriford.co.uk
Tel: 01752 315900
Derriford Hospital facilities
The following shops and services are available in the main hospital foyer on level 6.
Reception desk
Situated in the main reception area, this is a useful contact for general information, such as directions to wards and departments or visiting times.
Wheelchairs
There are wheelchairs by the main entrance. A one pound coin is needed to use a wheelchair - this is refunded when the chair is returned.
Post box
The post box is inside the main entrance door. Collections are at 5pm Monday to Friday, and at 11:30am on Saturday.
Cashpoint machine
There is a Barclays Bank cash machine just inside the main entrance on the left of the Hospital on level 6.
A second cash machine is located outside the ‘Goodness at Greens’ restaurant on level 7.
Warrens coffee shop and bakery (Level 6)
Hot and cold snacks, cakes, pastries and beverages, to eat in or take away.
Open 24hours a day, 7 days a week
Warrens coffee shop and bakery (Level 3)
A second smaller unit located in the Terence Lewis building.
Open: Monday to Friday 7am to 3pm
Goodness at Greens Restaurant (Level 7)
Catering for visitors, patients and staff. Serving breakfast, lunch and early supper with hot and cold options throughout the day
Open: Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm. Saturday & Sunday 8am to 3pm.
WHSmith shop
Where a wide selection of magazines, books, newspapers, sweets and other useful items. It also includes a Post Office counter.
Open: Monday to Friday 7am to 9pm. Saturday to Sunday 8am to 7pm
League of Friends fruit and flower shop
This well-stocked shop provides fruit, flowers, plants and a variety of small gifts.
Open: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. Saturday Midday to 4 pm
League of Friends book shop
The book shop sells a variety of second-hand hardbacks and paperbacks.
Open: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 3pm
Boots Pharmacy
The pharmacy offers an outpatient dispensing service for hospital prescriptions only, as well as over the counter medicines and toiletry products
Open: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6:30pm
*Within the Hospital grounds also available are:*
Marks and Spencer
(located at the Main Entrance on Level 6)
Open: Monday to Friday 7am to 8:30pm. Saturday & Sunday 7:30am to 8:30pm
Subway (located beside the multi-storey car park)
Open: Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm. Friday to Saturday 8am to 10pm. Sunday 10am to 8pm
Pizza Hut (located beside the multi-storey car park)
Open: Monday to Thursday (collection) 12pm to 9:30pm. Friday to Sunday (collection) 11am to 9:30pm
Koh Thai Noodle
(located beside the multi-storey car park)
Open: Tuesday to Sunday 9:30am to 9:30pm
Costa (located beside the multi-storey car park)
Open: Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm. Saturday to Sunday 8am to 6pm.
There are vending machines and other coffee shops throughout the Hospital.
Macmillan Cancer Support Centre: The Mustard Tree
The Mustard Tree Macmillan centre has been created to support people with cancer, their families and carers. It is a ‘drop-in’ centre based above the Oncology Outpatient Department on level 3.
It is staffed by professionals and trained volunteers, many of whom have personal experience of cancer.
Please come along if you would like additional information about your illness or treatment, would value the opportunity to talk to someone about how you feel, or just need a break from the usual routine.
The Mustard Tree reception 01752 430060
As well as offering advice and support, the centre also offers a wide range of services:
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A part-time Benefits Advisor, Denise Martin
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Counselling service
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Relaxation for wellbeing, complimentary massage (Indian head massage, Reflexology, Alexander technique)
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Craniosacral therapy
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Relaxation classes, yoga, chair yoga
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Look Good Feel Good (make over), can be booked online
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Healing/Reiki
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Wig service every Thursday morning, run by Browns
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Activity workshops, blooming well (gardening)
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Pastoral, spiritual and religious care
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Physiotherapy service
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Psychology service
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Into the blue, starting June 1st at Bigbury beach
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have a concern, problem or worry about your care or some aspect of the service provided and would like help from someone other than the ward staff, you can contact the PALS office.
PALS Hub office (level 6 in the main concourse)
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Monday to Friday
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9:30am to12:30pm and 1pm to 4:30pm
Telephone: 01752 439884
Out of hours: 01752 439694
E-mail: plh-tr.PALS@nhs.net
Useful organisations
Derriford Hospital:
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01752 202082
Mustard Tree Cancer Support centre: 01752 430060
Macmillan Cancer Relief: 0808 808 0000
Teenage Cancer Trust: 020 7612 0370
Young Lives vs Cancer: 0300 303 5220
Citizens Advice Plymouth: 0808 278 7910
Cancer Research UK: 0300 123 1022 / 0808 800 4040
