Bringing it all together: supporting the entire cancer journey

Today

At GOSH, children with cancer have access to extensive ‘wrap-around’ care. These services, all funded by GOSH Charity, are designed to make life easier for families as they go through their cancer journey at GOSH, particularly as there’s increasing evidence a holistic approach to care can help children recover more quickly and reduce the risk of associated mental health problems.

Recovery can also be affected by the environment a child is treated in. A 2018 study of children undergoing surgical procedures at GOSH showed that inpatient stays were 2.4 days shorter in newer facilities – designed to be comfortable, spacious and to put children at ease.

In the future GOSH will plan to transform its clinical facilities further, with new cancer wards designed around children. Research will be embedded in every child’s cancer journey, from giving them access to the latest treatments through clinical trials, to collecting data remotely after they’re discharged. This plan hopes to include incredible new imaging facilities, intensive care units and a state-of-the-art pharmacy.

Not just small adults GOSH is uniquely positioned to treat the multitude of health issues children with cancer may be facing. Intensive chemotherapy can make eating impossible because the throat lining is damaged. Brain tumours can press on the optic nerve, causing vision changes. Cancer treatments can also cause a number of long term side effects.

No matter the issue, GOSH has experts who can help, from dieticians and childhood pain experts to palliative care teams, all supporting families. Children can’t simply be considered a ‘small adult’ when it comes to medicine. The vast range of paediatric expertise at GOSH means, in many cases, children with cancer have every expert they need, under one roof.

Eden at two years old.

TOMORROW