As a specialist facility, at Spire Portsmouth Hospital we combine a full range of cancer technologies and treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery all under one roof. We are committed to delivering a high level of care to our patients, helping them get the treatment they need, when they need it in comfortable surroundings as quickly as possible.
Highly skilled teams of cancer surgeons, oncologists and specialist support staff work together to treat a wide range of cancers.
Diagnostic Investigations
We are committed to providing each patient with the most appropriate treatment as quickly as possible
Fast diagnosis is crucial for the successful treatment of cancer. Our radiographers and consultant radiologists carry out and interpret examinations at the hospital.
Opened in 2008, our in-house diagnostic suite offers MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computerised tomography) scanning, Ultrasound, X-ray and Mammograms six days a week at convenient appointment times.
MRI scanning can be used for cross-sectional views across the body. It uses a special technique to produce two and three dimensional pictures of the inside of the body and displays very clear soft tissue images. MRI is particularly good at identifying brain tumours, primary bone tumours, soft tissue sarcomas and for tumours affecting the spinal cord.
CT scanning creates detailed images of the inside of the body. This is particularly useful in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Tumours the size of a grain of rice can be identified which increases the chance of early treatment. This allows tumours to be measured and mapped so that radiotherapy is planned accurately.
Ultrasound is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues or blood flow. Under ultrasound and x-ray control, biopsies can be performed to take samples for early analysis. It is useful to diagnose cancers of the liver, pancreas, kidneys, ovaries, prostate and breast.
X-ray allows for the detection of malignant abnormalities throughout the skeleton, chest, lungs and heart.
Mammography is a specific type of imagning that uses a low dose of x-ray and high contrast film for examination of the breasts.
Surgery
At Spire Portsmouth Hospital we have a highly skilled team of consultant surgeons who are very experienced in cancer surgery. Your consultant surgeon will be with you throughout your journey, from your first consultation to aftercare and follow-up.
You will be looked after in your own private room and cared for by our skilled nursing team who will do everything they can to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Chemotherapy
We offer the latest innovations in chemotherapy (drug treatment) for a wide variety of malignant disease, including most solid tumours and cancers of the blood.
Our highly skilled team of Oncologists and specialist nurses are dedicated to making your treatment as comfortable as possible. Your consultant oncologist will discuss an individually tailored plan to suit your clinical condition and treatment requirements.
We have a dedicated Oncology unit for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, comprising seven air conditioned treatment suites. Each suite contains comfortable reclining treatment couches and armchairs for visitors, together with television. DVD and wi-fi facilities. The unit has been designed to be discreet, informal and comfortable whilst ensuring the clinical care provided is exemplary.
Scalp cooling
With chemotherapy, hair loss (alopecia) is a known side-effect of several drugs, although not all will cause it. With some drugs scalp cooling can be used to prevent the hair falling out. This involves the use of a refrigerated scalp cooling system applied to the head during chemotherapy. It works by reducing the blood flow to the scalp limiting the amount of chemotherapy reaching the hair follicles and thereby helping to prevent hair loss.
Radiotherapy
In partnership with CancerPartnersUK, the opening in August 2009 of a purpose built radiotherapy facility complements the existing cancer services at Spire Portsmouth Hospital to provide a fully-integrated range of treatments on one site.
The radiotherapy centre houses a linear accelerator which offers the latest generation radiotherapy technologies. These new techniques include Intensity Moderated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). The radiotherapy machines can create high quality 3D images of cancerous tumours immediately prior to treatment, enabling the machines to deliver extremely accurate, targeted doses of radiation into affected areas whilst avoiding the surrounding tissue and organs.
Aftercare and support
The teams work closely with organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support to ensure patients have access to an extended range of information, nursing and support.
For more information visit the new Spire Cancer Care website. Alternatively please call our customer services team on 023 9245 6172 or complete our online enquiry form.