The Medical Team

This will be led by a Consultant who specialises in the treatment of tumours of the central nervous system. The other doctors who work with him or her are called Senior Registrars, Registrars, or House Officers.

There may be a Nurse Specialist who can explain about your treatment and any possible side effects, and help you whenever you need it in the ward or in the outpatient clinic.

You may meet a community liaison nurse who is qualified in hospital and community nursing. This nurse will give you advice and support and arrange any practical help or nursing care which you need at home after your discharge from hospital or if you are having your treatment as an outpatient.

An Occupational Therapist (O.T.) is a person who helps anyone who has a temporary or permanent disability or who is recovering from illness. Their work is to help you get back to ordinary life again. The therapist can assess what help you need, such as practice in preparing a meal. Their help can be given either on the ward or in the Occupational Therapy Department. The therapist may also visit your home or workplace, to help and advise on practical problems in your familiar surroundings.

A Physiotherapist will help you with specially designed exercises for your arms and legs to improve your movements and balance and help you to relax. Physiotherapists may also give you exercises to help with any breathing problems. Your physical recovery may need help at another hospital which specialises in rehabilitation. Your physiotherapist will arrange this for you.

A Speech Therapist can help you if the tumour causes any speech problems or swallowing difficulties or any problems with reading and writing.

Doctors, psychologists and nurses who specialise in psychological care may be available. You and your family will be able to talk to them about any worries or fears you have and they will provide you with extra emotional support.

A Social Worker is also available to help patients, relatives and friends who may have emotional problems. Social workers can also advise on employment, benefits, personal finances, or changes in home responsibilities.

A Dietician can advise you how to maintain or improve your diet. Anyone with a problem, such as weight loss or weight gain, taste changes or loss of appetite, nausea or abnormal blood sugar level, may be referred to the dietician for advice.

Domiciliary physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Domiciliary is the word used to describe a professional who works for the local Health Authorities and local authority social services department and visits people at home. They can give advice on such things as coping with household chores, managing stairs, bathing, cooking. The hospital or your GP may put you in touch with a domiciliary professional if they think you need this sort of help and it cannot be given from the hospital.