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Oncology Service

The physiotherapists see in-patients on our Oncology/BMT ward (Starlight Ward) as well as older patients on the Adolescent ward (Apollo 35). Children are also seen as outpatients in the physiotherapy gym and on our oncology day bed unit.

Our physiotherapists have a good relationship with other therapists and centres across the South West and often make referrals when ongoing therapy is required.

All children are seen by a physiotherapist who is experienced in seeing children through the whole of their oncology journey. They can help for many reasons; difficulties due to their initial presentation, due to side effects from treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy or as the result of surgery.

They are used to seeing children with Hickman lines/Portacath's and will know when being active is appropriate. The physiotherapist will be able to asses a wide range of aspects of physical ability including; joint range, muscle strength, balance, co-ordination, posture, motor development and many more.

The physiotherapists work closely with the wider MDT, including play therapists to help provide holistic patient care.

What might physiotherapy involve?

Due to the wide range of diagnoses within the field of oncology, each child is effected very differently. As a result physiotherapy input will be different for all children and tailored to their specific needs. The main aim of physiotherapy is to optimise physical and functional ability. Treatment may include; strengthening or stretching exercises, balance and co-ordination activities, hydrotherapy, gait re-education, developmental programs and may include chest physiotherapy.

The physiotherapists will also be able to help provide information to parents so that therapy can be continued at home.

Physiotherapy Contact

  • Lucy Buckley - 0117 342 8525

 

Our physiotherapists work within the field of Oncology providing both an in-patient and out-patient service. There are 2 wards where patients are seen as in-patients and our physiotherapy department and oncology day beds for outpatients.

The MDT working with in the Oncology team is vital but we also work closely with our shared Care Centres in the South West:

  • Gloucester Royal
  • Royal United Hospital Bath
  • Musgrove Park
  • Royal Devon and Exeter
  • Treliske

We asses and treat children with a wide variety of conditions:

 Haematology

 Oncology

 ALL & AML

 Non-Hodgkins lymphoma

 HLH

 Brain and spinal cord tumours

 Ewing's sarcoma

 Osteosarcoma

 Neuroblastoma

 Hepatoblastoma

 Wilms' tumour

 Retinoblastoma

 Rhabdomyosarcoma

 LCH

 Hodgkins lymphoma

 Bone Marrow Transplant

 Malignancies (ALL, AML, lymphomas)

 HLH

 Bone marrow failures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treatment

Each child will present very differently within the oncology field so their treatment will be tailored to their individual needs. We work closely with community teams from a wide area to ensure the child's treatment and care is continued when they are discharged.

Physiotherapy Contact

  • Lucy Buckley - 0117 342 8525