Hospital information

Who will look after my child?

In hospital, children are cared for by a multidisciplinary team (MDT). This is a group of care professionals who are experts in different areas of cancer treatment.

The team work together to make sure your child is given a high standard of care, and the most appropriate treatment. They work very closely, keeping each other up-to-date with changes and progress.

A typical team may consist of:

Consultant – a doctor or surgeon who takes responsibility for a child’s diagnosis and treatment. The consultant will specialise in the child’s condition. 

Paediatric Oncologist - from the Regional Centre, and in the case of a District Hospital, a local paediatrician working with the Paediatric Oncologist.

Surgeon – a doctor who specialises in the surgery associated with a child’s condition.

Oncology nurse – a specialist (or nurse with a special interest maybe in district hospitals) in caring for patients with cancer, often acts as a link between the family and the rest of the team.

Radiologist – a doctor who specialises in the use of imaging techniques such as x-rays and scans to help with diagnosis or to assist in treatment.

Play Specialist – helps children prepare for treatment using play techniques. Provides therapeutic and distraction play when called upon by other members of the team.

Other people you may meet in hospital:

Dietician – provides specialist nutritional advice, according to a child’s treatment.

Physiotherapist – specialist in using exercise and activities to help a child improve physically after treatment.

Social Worker – offer social, emotional and practical support immediately after diagnosis for as long as a family needs it.

For information about your local hospital, including parking arrangements, ward routines and CLIC Sargent staff, please visit our hospital index.
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