Local Services You Can Access

There are support services available at St James’s Hospital which may help you to cope with and manage a range of cancer related symptoms and side effects or any distress that you may be experiencing. Please speak to your medical team if you require any further information about these services.

Multi-Faith Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

Many people find the process of going through cancer treatment emotionally challenging. Sometimes feelings may become more difficult to deal with on your own and this might be when you want to ask for some extra help. You may want to talk to someone separate from your family, your medical team or your specialist nurse and this is an option.

A team of multi-faith chaplains are available to visit you and/or your relatives or friends in the hospital as and when you need the service. At the root of this service is a commitment to respectful, non-judgemental listening to your experiences and concerns. Understandings and emotions about life, faith and illness can fluctuate during treatment and recovery so chaplains are available to work with you to discover those resources within and around you that can bring comfort, meaning and wholeness at difficult times. If you belong to a specific faith then prayers and rituals appropriate to your needs can be arranged. This service is confidential.

Any queries or requests for visits should be directed to the Chaplaincy Secretary on 0113 2064365 or the Chaplaincy office at St. James’s on 0113 2065935.

In case of emergency there is always an Anglican/Free Church and Roman Catholic Chaplain available via pager. Please ask ward staff if you require this service.

Throughout the Trust there are various chapels and quiet rooms that are available 24 hours a day. These are:

St. James’s Chapel (to the right of the roundabout at the main entrance).

Level 4 Gledhow Wing.

Level 1 Bexley Wing – The Faith Centre – As well as being set aside for gatherings and services from a number of faith and spiritual traditions, the Faith Centre offers space and resources for prayer and reflection, available 24 hours a day. It also has ablution facilities, prayer rugs and a copy of the Holy Koran.

Leeds Cancer Support

Leeds Cancer Support are there to help you cope with a cancer diagnosis. The staff can support you and your family during and after treatment for cancer.

Information Lounges

Drop in for a chat with an information volunteer or one of the specialist staff. Get information on all aspects of your cancer and care, such as:

Cancer type.

Treatments & side effects.

Where to get financial advice.

Practical help on living with cancer.

You can find out more about Leeds Cancer Support by contacting or dropping into:

Information Lounge (Level -2) Radiotherapy Department.
Tel: 0113 2067603 – open from 8.30am – 4.30pm

Information Lounge (Level 1) Oncology Outpatients Department.
Tel: 0113 2068816 – open from 8.30am – 4.30pm

The Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre

Drop in for a tea or coffee and a chat with someone who has the time to spare. Get a listening ear from one of the volunteers or support from more specialist staff. Book in for some complementary and supportive therapies that may help you to relax. The services are available to patients and their families, free of charge. Appointments are at The Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre and most therapists can see you on the wards in Bexley wing too.

Some examples of the types of support services and therapies available at the centre include:

Macmillan Hair Loss Support Service.

Reflexology.

Reiki.

Massage.

Aromatherapy.

Bra fitting service.

Cancer support groups.

The centre is open from Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm for drop in and refreshments.
For appointments or information contact:

The Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre Tel: 0113 206 6498
The centre is based directly behind the Thackray Medical Museum, with parking available, please ask at the reception for a permit.

Natural Well-being

The Natural Healing, Meditation and Relaxation service is based in Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre (behind the Thackray Medical Museum) and Level 1 Information Centre, Bexley Wing, St. James’s University Hospital. To make an appointment or for more information please telephone 0113 206 6498.

Healing is a natural energy therapy complementing conventional treatment and is non-invasive. It is holistic – treating the whole person and aims to help you to feel self-empowered through meditation using breathing exercises.

Benefits may include:

Inner peace and strength.

Improvement in quality of life.

Warm reassurance.

Deep relaxation.

Relief from pain.

Ability to cope with stress and anxiety.

Improved sleep patterns.

Natural healing is not an alternative to conventional therapies. The treatment is not curative and will not have an effect in reducing tumour size. However people say it gives them a feeling of well-being and the ability to cope. There is no conflict with any religious beliefs.

To experience natural healing and relaxation you will either sit in a chair or lie down on a therapy bed listening to music. There is no need to undress and with your permission a gentle touch may be used on the head or feet. It is not expected there will be any negative effects but in the unlikely event you feel worse following therapy please contact your GP. A free CD will be available to take home so you can practise the techniques if you find them helpful. A free DVD is also available for anyone to pick up on wards and in the outpatient department.

Please telephone the number above to book a session, which can last for 15 minutes to an hour according to your needs. You are welcome to bring a relative or friend if you wish. The service is available from 10.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday and is free of charge to all. A written consent form is provided confirming you have understood and agree to receive therapy.

There is also a drop-in Relaxation with Music Support Group to which all are welcome, which is held in:

The Faith Centre, Level 1, Bexley Wing from 11am to 12 noon on Thursdays.

Radiotherapy Support Lounge, Level -2, Bexley Wing from 11am to 12 noon on Tuesdays.

Oak Room, Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre from 10.30am to 11.30am on the first Wednesday each month.

Maggie’s Centre

There is a Maggie’s centre located within the grounds of St. James’s Hospital.

Maggie’s offers people with cancer, their families and friends, a place and space to explore tough questions and difficult emotions that can range from anxiety, to loneliness and isolation.

Visitors are given the help and information they need to allow them to become informed participants in their medical treatment, along with stress-reducing strategies, psychological support and the opportunity to meet other people in similar circumstances.

Centre Head

The Centre Heads oversee everything that happens in the Centre, supporting visitors, managing the programme of workshops and courses and mentoring staff. Their background is typically as a senior NHS Oncology Nurse, radiographer or Clinical Psychologist.

Psychologist

The Psychologist supports individuals on a one-to-one basis as well as running timetabled group sessions focusing on specific cancers.

Cancer Support Specialist

The Cancer Support Specialists are the first people you’ll meet when you walk into Maggie’s. They are experienced professionals, who gently explore people’s needs as they welcome them to the Centre and guide them to the information and support they need. They also run courses and workshops.

Benefits Advisors

The Benefits Advisors help people to access their full range of entitlements to benefits and grants, as well as supporting them with other welfare issues.

Relaxation therapists

The relaxation therapists run sessions proven to help with anxiety, stress and pain relief. These include massage therapy, reflexology and meditation.

Sessional Staff

They also have members of staff who come into our Centres to provide sessions on nutrition, art therapy and creative writing.

Community Fundraiser

The Community Fundraiser is responsible for delivering local and fundraising campaigns to raise awareness of Maggie’s among the people who need us and to ensure that the ongoing Centre costs are met.