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...
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.
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...
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.
The Queen Alexandra Hospital is located just on the hill slopes of Portsdown Hill overlooking Portsmouth. It is conveniently situated for both the M27 and A3M.
Family members and carers play an important role in supporting patients during an episode of ill health. We are committed to the active involvement of family members, friends and carers during a hospital stay. Family members and carers play an important role in supporting patients during an episode of ill health.
More information on visiting hospital for an appointment.
If you've had experience of using our services and would like to make a comment then please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Your views are very important to us and we would like to hear where you think improvements are needed or where things have gone so well that you would like to share your thanks or gratitude with the staff involved. When things have not gone so well then you can be sure that we want to hear from you, so please get in touch with PALS.
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.
We welcome and value your feedback and use the views you share with us in a number of ways to learn and make improvements as well as sharing best practice. Feedback can be provided in a number of ways.
Date: 23 February 2023
A much-loved Portsmouth cancer support centre has been given a makeover to help provide a more comforting space for its visitors.
The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham has re-opened with a new look which includes new furniture, decorations and a layout that is homely, comforting and more accessible for those in need of assistance.
The refurbishments were made possible thanks to a generous gift in the will of one of the hospital’s oncology patients, with added support from Portsmouth Hospitals Charity, who funded new equipment and soft furnishings across the centre.
Between 50 and 70 people affected by cancer visit the centre each day to access free services such as complementary therapies, counselling, hypnotherapy and financial advice. The services can be accessed by patients, carers, family members, friends or staff that are looking for information and emotional support.
Emma Brown, Centre Manager said: “The new layout allows us to accommodate more visitors, provide more privacy to those accessing our services and create a more homely experience. Our staff and volunteers are very eager to support those that walk through our doors again in our brand-new setting.”
The newly designed centre offers a cosy space for patients’ friends and family, like Peggy, who joins her friend Gill on all her appointments. Gill frequently visits the hospital for treatments for multiple myeloma cancer and regularly uses the centre’s services. Gill said: “It was a privilege to have been part of the re-opening. I have so much praise for all the people who donate their time to be there for us patients.”
Peggy, who waits in the centre during Gill’s appointments, added: “It’s going to be much nicer to come in here now to relax and wait for Gill to finish her treatment.”
Cancer patient Susan was one of the patients who attended an opening event, alongside staff, volunteers and friends and families of patients. The 59-year-old who was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2021 has finished chemotherapy and currently attends the hospital every three weeks for Herceptin injection treatment. She has used many of the centre’s treatments including wig services and returned to the centre looking for further advice on more of their services.
During her visit, Susan said: “I’ve missed the place since it’s been closed. You can just walk in and ask a question, even if it feels like a silly one.”
The centre is open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm. For any enquires, call 02392 283323 or email macmillancentre@porthosp.nhs.uk.
To find out more about their services, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/services/service-directory/macmillan-cancer-information-and-support-service-at-portsmouth/N1086310
Watch the full video of the event here: Cancer support centre re-opens
