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Whilst in hospital support is given by the ward nursing staff, the Urology Specialist Nurses and, if palliative care is required, by the Macmillan Cancer Support Nurses. The Continence Advisors and Stoma Care Nurses are also available. After discharge support for patient and relatives continues to be available through the Urology Specialist Nurses and the Macmillan Support Centre (01752 763672).

Vanessa Wilcox, Jane Ripley and Anna Wilson are Nurse Specialists for cancer patients, and work closely with all the clinicians and allied health care professionals above. They are the main key workers for all patients and their carers, providing a useful contact point for patients throughout their cancer “journey”. They can provide access to the urological and oncological team, provide patients with a permanent written record of their treatment plan, and provide information on their disease, treatment and supportive services available. Despite being hospital based they can offer support following discharge via telephone link.  

There is a prostate cancer support group, which meets monthly and is run by the Chestnut Appeal - a local Urology-focused charity. Support for patients in the community is in conjunction with the community Macmillan services.

The Cancer Support Centres in Derriford, Tavistock and Kingsbridge offer a variety of specific services and complementary therapies to assist patients and their carers to cope and live with a cancer diagnosis.

A wide range of patient leaflets are available from the Clinical Nurse Specialists and the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre. There is a Bladder Cancer Support Group which meets every second Wednesday of the month at the Mustard Tree Centre. If interested in attending please contact bcsg.derriford@virginmedia.com.