Visiting Berkshire Cancer Centre

Berkshire Cancer Centre is situated in the North Block of Royal Berkshire Hospital. Coming to the hospital from London Road, the Berkshire Cancer Centre has a dedicated outside access in the far-right-hand corner of the car park. Please use this rather than the central London Road entrance. There is also a drop-off Outside Access from where you can access the relevant departments. 

Parking permits will be issued to patients whilst having a course of radiotherapy or chemotherapy and will be given by the departments on starting treatment. Blue badge parking is available next to the West Drive buildings which are accessible from Redlands Road.

We are open from 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Your visit to the clinic is a good opportunity to discuss any questions you may have with your doctor. To make it easier, here are some things you can do to make the most of your appointment time:

• Write down and prioritise the questions you want to ask
• You may want to bring a relative or friend to help you remember the conversation.
• Please ask for written information.
• You can request copies of letters written about you.
• If you haven’t understood what has been said, please ask your doctor or nurse again.
• It is important to us that you feel involved in the decisions being made about your care and treatment.
• Please ask if you haven’t understood what has been said.
• If you need another appointment the doctor or nurse will let you know and signpost you to the Outpatient reception to make the appointment. If this is not possible it will be sent to you by post.

We try to make sure that patients are seen by a doctor at the time of their appointment, or at least within 30 minutes of that time. Sometimes emergencies can mean that patients are seen out of turn and delays occur. If this happens, our staff will keep you informed about what's happening and how long you may have to wait. If you feel you have been kept waiting without an explanation, please ask a member of staff. Arriving early for an appointment does not necessarily mean you will be seen early.

Breast Prosthesis

If you have been advised to book a prosthesis appointment, please call us on 0118 322 7888 or email us on rbft.bccclinic@nhs.net. 

Cancer Rehabilitation Service

If you would like to learn more about our service or make a referral, please email cancer.rehabilitation@nhs.net or call 0739 286 1323 and leave a voicemail.

Chemotherapy

• King Edward Ward - 0118 322 7464 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm).
• Chemotherapy 1, Bracknell Healthspace - 0134 466 2904 (Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 4.30pm).
• Rosemary Centre, West Berkshire Community Hospital - 0163 527 3659 (Tuesdays and Fridays 8.3am to 4.30pm).

24-hour SACT Triage Line

0118 322 7762

If you are currently receiving cancer treatment from one of our departments and are experiencing any side effects, are feeling unwell or have questions about your treatment (e.g. what medications to take at home), you can contact the 24-hour SACT Triage Line.

Please note, this is not an emergency phone line, and it may take some time for the call to be answered. If the patient is unconscious, is experiencing chest pain or is bleeding heavily, please dial 999. This number should not be used for administrative queries such as appointment times and booking blood tests.

Hair Advisory Service

If you have been advised to book a hair advisory appointment, please call us on 0118 0118 322 7888 and leave a voicemail.

Outpatients at Berkshire Cancer Centre

• Outpatient Department - 0118 322 7888.
• Booking blood tests (only for patients who are currently receiving cancer treatment - 0118 322 7888.
• Booking a blood test via Pathology. 

Radiotherapy 

• General enquiries - 0118 322 7872.
• If you need to speak to a member of staff for advice about your treatment side effects, please contact our Treatment Review Radiographers - 0118 322 8869.

We are open from 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Patients are referred to the Outpatients Department when a diagnosis of cancer has been made and treatment is needed.

The Berkshire Cancer Centre sees patients diagnosed with a range of cancers including:

• bowel cancer
• brain tumours and cancers
• breast cancer
• gynaecological cancers including ovarian, cervical, and endometrium
• lymphomas
• cancers of the head and neck
• lung cancer
• cancers of the oesophagus, stomach and pancreas (upper gastrointestinal)
• skin cancer
• urological cancers such as cancer of the prostate, bladder, kidney and testicular cancer

We also run a Hair Loss Advisory Clinic (women and men) where you can be supported in learning about alternatives such as buying a wig or tying a headscarf.

Please phone 0118 322 7888 or speak to your nurse specialist to make an appointment for this clinic.

AccessAble Accessibility Guide

Important information about your appointment

Your visit to the clinic is a good opportunity to discuss any questions you may have with your doctor. To make it easier, here are some things you can do to make the most of your appointment time:

• Write down and prioritise the questions you want to ask
• You may want to bring a relative or friend to help you remember the conversation.
• Please ask for written information.
• You can request copies of letters written about you.
• If you haven’t understood what has been said, please ask your doctor or nurse again.

It is important to us that you feel involved in the decisions being made about your care and treatment.

• Please ask if you haven’t understood what has been said.
• If you need another appointment the doctor or nurse will let you know and signpost you to the Outpatient reception to make the appointment. If this is not possible it will be sent to you by post.

Cafes and restaurants

• League of Friends Coffee House - Battle Block, Level
• Eating Hub restaurant and Delights Deli Bar - South Block, Level 1
• AMT Coffee Hut - main entrance, Level 1
• Jamaica Blue - South Block, Level 2
• Pumpkin Cafe - Main Block, Level 2
• M&S convenience store (main entrance, Level 2)
• Cash machine / ATM (main entrance opposite the reception desk, Level 2)

Wi-fi

• Public wi-fi is available across all inpatient and outpatient areas. Please connect to RBFT_GUEST and follow the prompts. We can't guarantee wi-fi coverage in corridors, car parks or other transitional spaces.

Accessible Facilities

The Changing Places facility is located in Royal Berkshire Hospital Level 1 by the main entrance; the toilet is locked with a key available 24/7 from security at Main reception on Level 2.

Buggy service for transporting patients and visitors who have walking difficulties (main entrance reception, Level 2)