Based on ward 4 at the Great North Children’s Hospital the Teenage Cancer Unit provides care for patients from 13 to 18 years old who are diagnosed with cancer.
The unit was designed in collaboration with the Teenage Cancer Trust and young people.
We provide specialist services for young people, including:
- diagnosis of all cancers
- cancer treatments including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy
- psychological support
- symptom control
- social activities
- opportunity to meet other teenagers with cancer
- Specialist Nurse for teenagers and young people funded by the Teenage Cancer Trust
- Youth Support Co-ordinator, funded by Teenage Cancer Trust
What to expect on the unit
Take a tour of our unit
Preparing for home: Information films for young people
These two films highlight how to stay safe on treatment. They also look at issues that are important to young people. Both films were made with young people who completed treatment on our Teenage Cancer Unit.
Preparing for Home Part 1
This film discusses how to spot side effects of treatment and how to know when to report them.
Preparing for Home Part 2
this film discusses issues that are important to young people.
Chapters include: relationships and sexual health, fertility, employment and education
Facilities on the unit
On the Teenage Cancer Unit it’s all about giving teenagers the chance to be themselves. We have a range of facilities to help make our patients’ stay as comfortable as possible.
There is a separate six-bed area dedicated to teenagers and young people. We have three en-suite cubicles and a three-bed bay, all with facilities for a family member or friend (16-years or over) to stay. There are three more cubicles with a similar design to the unit for teenagers within ward 4 who can have access to the same facilities.
Location of ward
The child development centre is on level one of the Great North Children’s Hospital, in New Victoria Wing at the RVI.
