Children's Oncology

To help ensure optimal diagnosis and management of children and young people with febrile neutropaenia presenting to POSCUs, including intravenous and oral antibiotics, and to enable timely and appropriate communication and referral of these patients between the POSCU and the PTC as required and as necessary.

To provide haematological support, ie. The administration of blood and/or platelet transfusions as required and if appropriate- This service is available on both sites.

We will also provide nasogastric/ gastrostomy feeding support, (NG tubes can be re-passed on the Children’s units at Huddersfield and Calderdale), administration of sub cutaneous medication eg. GCSF, central line flushes, blood sampling and equipment provision meaning that patients will need to access the PTC less frequently.

We will offer ‘off treatment’ follow up with the lead clinician at the POSCU in conjunction with the PTC where this may be appropriate.

All oncology patients will have a designated Paediatric Oncology Community Nurse as a keyworker ensuring continuation of care.

Contacts/Links

Dr Gill Sharpe- Oncology Lead Consultant- 01422 224146

Children’s Community Nursing Team-  01484 342872

Children’s Ward- Huddersfield 01484 342482

Children’s Ward- Halifax 01422 223277

Patient Advice and Liaison Centre 0800 013 0018

Macmillan Services- Jayne Garforth Centre- Halifax 01422 222709

Other members of the team

Liz Higgs- Deputy Lead Clinician

Trudi Foxton- Paediatric Community Oncology Nurse

Sally Whelan- MDT Co-Ordinator/ Administrator

Neil Shaw- Macmillan Nurses (Leeds General Infirmary)