New oncology unit for emergency care at Derriford Hospital
Cancer patients are benefiting from a new specialist unit at Derriford Hospital, which aims to reduce attendances at the Emergency Department, and shorten waiting times for treatment.
The Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) clinic for Oncology was officially opened in March by former Head of Nursing (Cancer) Sian Dennison. The clinic, which will initially run for six months, will expand the service from Brent ward and increase capacity to care for those requiring urgent treatment, reducing the number of patients who need to attend the Emergency Department and reducing their overall length of stay. A rapid access clinic, often referred to as a hot clinic, is also running as part of this for community referrals.
Located on level 3, the unit is easily accessible from the entrance of the former REI and is located across the road from the Mustard Tree Macmillan Cancer Support Centre.
Keith Luxford was one of the first patients to attend the clinic. He received chemotherapy for bladder and liver cancer, but it was making him feel rather poorly.
“I think sometimes people hold off on ringing the emergency number, because they don’t want to go to A&E. But now, they know they can come here, and that is such a bonus,” he explained. “I’ve come in today for more tests again. When you need scans and things, they just squeeze you in. The care you get, the treatment, the interaction with the staff … it’s all just tip top.”
Rachel Bryce, Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Oncology, said: “We are thrilled to be able to open our new Oncology SDEC unit on level 3 for our acutely unwell oncology patients. Although we had an assessment area upstairs, we were at capacity most days, and patients were having to present to the hospital through other emergency routes. However, the new Oncology SDEC has over doubled our capacity to see patients. Our hope is that this will improve our ability to review our patients, make their pathway smoother and provide a better experience.”
Amy Roy, Oncology Consultant, said: “From a clinical perspective, the increase in space and capacity means that patients will be seen by a team of cancer experts who fully understand the patients, their illness and its treatment. It will allow more flexibility for urgent access to the service which will mean urgent treatments can be started sooner.”
In May 2025 Keith passed away, surrounded by his closest loved ones. Keith felt very strongly about the excellent care he received during his time as a patient of the Oncology service. We are thankful to his family who support the use of his words and his video below, as part of his lasting legacy.
