Acute Haematology Oncology Unit (AHOU) 24-hour Helpline
This 24-hour helpline is for oncology and haematology patients who are unwell or experiencing side effects from their cancer or treatment while at home.
The unit is based on Lilleybrook Ward in Cheltenham General Hospital. The Helpline is not a drop-in clinic, always call first.
The AHOU is based on Lilleybrook Ward at Cheltenham General Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 3444
AHOU operates 24 hours a day, including weekends and bank holidays.
- We also see some patients who have symptoms from their cancer that may require our specialist input.
- Please be aware if we assess your care as requiring Acute Care at GRH we will redirect you there, please be reassured we have an outreach team at GRH who can support your care if you are admitted there.
- In the event of an emergency, please make sure you have someone to bring you into the AHOU who is able to take you home, day or night. Hospital transport is not readily available and if appropriate we try to discharge patients on the same day.
Please read ‘Your cancer treatment record’ Cancer Research UK booklet. You can get one these from the FOCUS Support and Information Centre. This booklet uses a traffic light system of possible side effects to guide you as to when you may need to call AHOU.
You can find an online version of the booklet here
It is important to have a thermometer at home before starting your treatment.
If you have a temperature of less than 36℃ or more than 37.5℃ and are feeling unwell, please call AHOU.
You can call or someone can call on your behalf. A recorded message will initially be played to signpost other helpful services. Please note, this is a busy department and your call may be put in a queue. It will be answered by a SACT trained nurse as soon as one is available.
Please have the following important information to hand:
- Your full name
- Your MRN number (This can be found on any correspondence or letters)
- Your cancer diagnosis
- The name of the treatment you are having
- The date you last had treatment
- A list of your current medications and any allergies you may have
- Your current temperature
Once you have been assessed during your phone call, the nurse may give you advice over the phone or you may be asked to email photos of the concern (if appropriate). You may be asked to come to the unit to be reviewed by a doctor.