Advice & Support

The Oncology Department includes a ward, an outpatient area, a radiotherapy department and a chemotherapy day unit. The Information and Support Centre consists of two members of NHS staff and several experienced volunteers who are always on hand to assist. We are located next to reception on Level 4 of the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre. You are welcome to drop in at any time, phone us on 0117 3423 369 or make an appointment with any queries you may have or support you may need.

Independent national cancer support charity Look Good Feel Better provides a unique service to women undergoing treatment for any type of cancer across the UK. It supports people in managing the effect cancer treatment can have on both appearance and reduced confidence. Two hour workshops are delivered by industry professionals, providing expert practical advice whilst creating a relaxed, safe environment for shared experiences. LGFB helps people face their cancer with less anxiety and more confidence. Speak to a member of our team to book.

Grief Encounter provides free and professional support to children and families affected by bereavement, life-threatening illness and cancer. Cancer Research UK and Penny Brohn Cancer Care offer information and support for anyone living with cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support is one of Britain’s largest charities providing care, information and financial support to those affected by cancer. St. Peter’s Hospice is Bristol’s only adult hospice caring for local people with incurable illnesses.

If you’re finding it difficult to cope with the financial impact of cancer and need further information and support on benefits and grants you you may be entitled to, we can refer you to a caseworker at the Macmillan Benefits Service at Citizens Advice Bristol. Speak to a member of our team to seek help.

We have a range of our own BHOC booklets written by a nationally renowned clinical psychologist who worked at the BHOC for over 20 years. The booklets are called; Managing the stress of cancer, Overcoming Insomnia and Overcoming stress and anxiety with a relaxation CD - feel free to pick one up.

We have a small shop selling headbands, hats and scarfs, second hand wigs, extra soft toothbrushes, thermometers and PICC covers for showering. You can find us in the reception area on Level 4.

The Acute Oncology triage line and assessment area are specifically for people who are currently receiving, or have recently completed anti cancer treatment. We provide telephone advice, assessment and treatment for those patients affected by side effects related to that treatment. Acute Oncology is a 24 hour, 7 day service.

It can often be a relief simply to talk to someone about what is happening to you. We offer a warm and friendly environment where you can discuss how cancer is affecting your life, and a safe space to talk through your worries about everything from diagnosis and treatment to family difficulties and money worries - either face to face or on the phone. This service is open to anyone affected by cancer including family, carers and friends and is available at any stage of treatment - even after it has finished. Please book with our reception team.

If you have been told you will lose your hair as a result of treatment, the BHOC will provide a new wig free of charge. You will need to call into the Information and Support Centre and give us your details so we can send the referral off to the wig consultants who will contact you directly to arrange an appointment.

Staff at the centre work hard to ensure visitors feel welcome and are as comfortable as possible. If you’re looking for a bite to eat or a hot drink, why not stop by Brewnel’s Coffee House in the BHOC reception area?

It's in the Bag Supporting men with Testicular Cancer in the South West. Testicular Cancer is the most common cancer in young men, but remains the most treatable cancer when detected early. It's in the Bag provide awareness materials and stands and work with the Bristol Testicular Cancer Service to provide Survivorship Toolkit days and Personal Development Weekends for men after treatment. Find out more here.

We accept book donations and sell them on for 50p each, with funds going to the patients, families and staff at the Centre. Pop in to see us or speak to a member of our reception or coffee shop staff to make a purchase or donation.

Cancer cafés offer a mutually supportive group for everyone where you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome, tea, coffee, cakes, information and somewhere to talk, if you wish, with others in similar situations. Cancer cafés in the area include Nailsea and Yatton.

B.O.S.S. is a self-support group for people with all types of ostomy, their families and carers. At their meetings we have a speaker, a rep from one of the supply companies (so you can see all the new products and sample them to see if they suit you better than what you are using); and a stoma care nurse is usually there to answer an queries you may have. Find out more here.