Current visiting times

We know how important it is for patients and families to be able to see visitors. Please help us keep our patients and staff as safe as possible by checking the guidance below before you visiting. 

Read more on visiting times...


Messages for loved ones and keeping in touch

We recognise the impact that a long stay in hospital can have on families and the importance of maintaining strong communication.  Our ward staff are keeping in touch with patients’ next of kin directly and our Voluntary Services team can help pass on personal messages from family and friends.

Read more information about messages for loved ones…

Current visiting times

After suspending visiting earlier in the year, we are now able to offer limited visiting to some wards at the discretion of the nurse in-charge.”

Read more on visiting times...


Messages for loved ones and keeping in touch

We recognise the impact that a long stay in hospital can have on families and the importance of maintaining strong communication.  Our ward staff are keeping in touch with patients’ next of kin directly and our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can help pass on personal messages from family and friends.

Read more information about messages for loved ones…

During your stay in hospital you will meet a number of different members of staff.  All members of staff wear name badges, but if you are not sure who someone is or what they do, please feel free to ask them to introduce themselves and explain what they do. 

If you have any questions about your treatment, please ask a doctor or a nurse.

There are lots of opportunities for you to get involved with the Trust, from volunteering to attending our public meetings, our Annual General Meeting or our hospital open day which is held every year.

Counselling

Last updated: 28 November 2019

The Macmillan Information and Support Centre offers short term counselling to adults with cancer and their family members. This is a free service.

Counselling offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be confusing, painful or uncomfortable. It allows you to talk with someone who is trained to listen attentively and to help you improve things.

What to expect?

  • Counselling will take place in the quiet room in the Macmillan Centre. Each session will last 50 minutes, starting and ending promptly
  • Most of the sessions are weekly, usually on the same day, at the same time
  • At an initial assessment appointment the counsellor will discuss with you what you wish to achieve from the counselling; we usually offer six sessions. During this time there will be regular discussions about your progress.
  • Should you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment, please give as much notice as possible. Please call the Macmillan Centre on 023 9228 3324
  • If you fail to attend two appointments, your counselling may be discontinued. This is to allow everyone an opportunity to see a counsellor
  • Endings are best when negotiated. When you feel you have reached the point where your counselling is drawing to a close, the counsellor will discuss with you an ending date and move gradually towards that
  • The counsellor will keep brief, confidential notes of each session. These are stored in a locked filing cabinet for a period of eight years, after which they are destroyed
  • At your last session, you will be asked to complete a feedback form. Please answer it honestly. Feedback helps us improve the services in the Centre


What is confidentiality?

Everything you discuss is confidential between you and the counsellor; the time is set aside for you to talk about whatever you wish.

The only exception when confidentiality might need to be broken would be in circumstances, including:

  • If there is a serious risk of injury to yourself or others.
  • Any breach/proposed breach of the Child Protection Procedure (risk to children) disclosed by you,
  • Any breach/proposed breach of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults (risk to Vulnerable Adult) disclosed by you
  • Where we are required by law to disclose information about terrorism.


About the counsellors

The Macmillan Centre offers a counselling service in partnership with Wessex Cancer Trust and volunteer counsellors. All counsellors are qualified to diploma level/degree level be registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and be receiving supervision by an accredited supervisor.

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Get in touch

Queen Alexandra Hospital,
Cosham,
Portsmouth,
PO6 3LY

  • 023 9228 6000

© 2023, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust