The Lilac Centre haematology and oncology day unit

Nicola Goffinet, Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at St Helens Hospital, explains the value of the services available for myeloma patients at The Lilac Centre haematology and oncology day unit, which include chemotherapy, supportive care and complementary therapy.

Could you explain how the service started and what prompted it?

The Lilac Centre opened 20 years ago, before I started working at St Helens Hospital. Staff realised that although cancer patients were receiving medical and nursing care, holistic needs were not being met. This is what prompted the opening of The Lilac Centre, which has since grown as other elements have been added along the way.

How has the Centre developed since opening?

The Lilac Centre initially started with two part-time counsellors. The team has now grown to include one full-time band 7 counsellor and six trained volunteers who are qualified counsellors with an interest in oncology. The volunteers attend according to a rota system to ensure an adequate number of counsellors are provided at any one time. The Centre also utilises student counsellors who need qualifying hours, with three currently involved and four more due to start. The Centre relies on volunteers and goodwill to stay open.

There are also complementary therapists at the centre who are partly funded by The Lilac Centre Fund, which is Whiston and St Helens Hospitals’ Charity’s dedicated charitable fund for the day unit. They provide complementary therapies including reiki, aromatherapy, reflexology and hot stone therapy to myeloma patients. The Centre has also benefited recently from a redesigning of the relaxation room to host regular relaxation and hypnotherapy groups. The Lilac Centre Fund also provides cooling caps to help limit or prevent hair loss, headscarves and other head wear, and a dedicated specialist hair salon for myeloma patients receiving chemotherapy.

What impact has the service had on patients, families/carers and colleagues?

The Lilac Centre has had a massive impact on patients, evidenced by comments in the many patient experience surveys used for feedback:

“Being together with people with the same problems helped me to resolve problems”

“Being listened to and supported helped me to recognise what I am feeling is normal”

Due to lengthy waiting times for counselling, a six-week relaxation group was started which included hypnotherapy, CBT and relaxation techniques. Attendees were surveyed at the start and end of the group. After the sessions, almost all patients felt they no longer needed formal counselling sessions.

The Centre has also positively impacted on the workload of the haematology CNSs. Having a dedicated service that provides such excellent emotional support has led to reduced numbers of patients and relatives contacting the CNS team in crisis. Patients and relatives have their needs addressed in an appropriate environment with a trained member of staff or volunteer.

Can you offer any advice for other hospitals wanting to provide a similar service?

Definitely collect patient feedback. Contact other Trusts and ask about their experience with business cases for funding. The goodwill of people also goes a long way, so try and use charitable funds and/or volunteers. Form a steering group of patients and ask what is missing from their care. Business cases are more likely to succeed with the patient voice.

Nicola Goffinet
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust