Skin Cancer Service - Plymouth Hospitals

Information 

for Patients 

Skin Cancer Service 

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust 

Issue 08/09 

Review 08/11 

A-134/Onc/Skin/RD/Information for 

Patients 

Derriford Hospital 

Derriford Road 

Plymouth 

PL6 8DH 

Tel: 0845 155 8155 

www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk

Plymouth Hospital NHS Trust 

Introduction 

Your Hospital Team 


This set of information leaflets is designed to provide you and 

your family with information about skin cancer and its treatment. 

At each stage of your treatment the relevant information will be 

added to your set. 

There are blank pages included for you to write down any 

questions you have. Any member of the skin cancer team will 

be happy to answer them for you either at your clinic 

appointment or over the telephone. 

There is a space for any member of the skin cancer team to 

write down comments or changes to your treatment so you have 

an up to date record of your planned care. 

We would appreciate any comments you have regarding this 

information and how beneficial it has been for you. 

Acknowledgement 

The authors would like to thank MARCS Line and the Wessex Cancer 

Trust for reference materials used in the creation of this document. 

Introduction 

Skin Cancer Service


Your personal details 



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Hospital Address 

Derriford Hosptital, 

Derriford Road, 

Plymouth 

DEVON, PL6 8DH. 

Tel: 08551558155 

Your Personal Details 




The Skin Cancer Team at Derriford Hospital 


The Plymouth Skin Cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) has a large team 

of specialists dedicated to providing first class care to patients with skin 

cancer. The team includes: 

Consultant Dermatologist 

Secretary number 

Dr Toby Chave (Lead Clinician MDT) 01752 763058 

Dr Jane Parrish (Associate Specialist) 01752 763058 

Dr Urzula Brudnik 01752 763057 

Appointments 01752 439936 

Consultant Plastic Surgeon 

Mr Duncan Mackenzie 01752 431519 

Mr Rob Morris 01752 431515 

Mr Anthony Fitton 01752 431515 

Mr David Camp 01752 431517 

Mr Lachlan Currie 01752 431516 

Mr Krish Kumar (Associate Specialist) 01752 431518 

Mr Jacob Manushakian 01752 431517 

Surgeon Commander Rory Rickard RN 01752 431515 

Appointments 01752 439937/431184 

Consultant Oncologist 

Dr Martin Highley 01752 763994 

Skin Cancer Nurse Specialist 

Ruth Devlin 01752 439800 

Consultant Histopathologist 

Dr Dean Harmse 

Consultant Radiologist 

Dr P Suresh 

Biopsy Nurse 

Diana Morgan 

The Team meet weekly, every Tuesday afternoon, to agree individual 

treatment plans. Following the meeting, you will be seen in the clinic by 

your Consultant where your treatment plan will be discussed with you and 

your family. A copy of the treatment plan will be sent to your GP. 

The Skin Cancer Team at Derriford Hospital 




Skin Cancer Nursing Service 

Ruth Devlin is our Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist. She is part of 

the multi-disciplinary team working towards improving the quality of care 

for people with skin cancer. 

As a Nurse Specialist, she is available to 

• help co-ordinate your care from diagnosis to treatment and through 

to follow up care 

• be a familiar face who can provide support for you and your family 

• provide information on tests, investigations and treatment options 

• offer support and advice on symptom control 

• provide a link to other professionals and support services 

Ruth can be contacted 

Monday – Friday 

9am – 5pm 

01752 439800 

e-mail: ruth.devlin@phnt.swest.nhs.uk 

Your Treatment Plan 

If you would like written details of your management plan please contact 

Ruth Devlin, Skin Cancer Nurse Specialist/Key worker on 01752 439800. 

Your Key Worker 

You will be offered a named Key Worker who will be responsible for 

co-ordinating your care. The whole team can be contacted via your key 

worker. To find out who your key worker is or for any other information 

about your care, please contact Ruth Devlin on 01752 439800. 

Skin Cancer Nursing Service 






Your suggested treatment plan is 

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Test results 

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Malignant Melanoma 


What is a Malignant Melanoma? 

Malignant melanoma is the rarest, but the most serious of all 

skin cancers. There has been a sharp rise in numbers over the 

last decade and it accounts for around 7,000 new cases each 

year. 

It is a cancer of the melanocyte cells, which produce the brown 

pigmentation in your skin that forms freckles, moles, and your 

suntan. They are found at the base of the epidermis (the top 

layer of your skin). 

Malignant Melanomas appear in normal skin or in changing 

moles. Suspicious changes include an increase in size or 

change in shape, deepening in colour, itching, bleeding and 

surrounding inflammation. They can spread along the skin’s 

surface but they can also penetrate inwards into the deeper 

layers of the skin. This is when, if left untreated, they may 

spread to other areas of your body. 

If any of the melanoma cells have broken away they can spread 

to your lymph glands (also called nodes). You have lymph 

glands all over your body. There are large groups of them in 

your neck, jaw, axilla (armpit), elbow creases, groin and behind 

your knees. If the melanoma has spread it will generally travel 

to the nearest group of nodes from the original site and if this 

happens you will need to have all the glands in that area 

removed. This is known as a “block dissection”. 






What are the causes? 

The cause of melanoma is not entirely understood but there is 

strong evidence to suggest that ultraviolet radiation caused by 

exposure to high intensity sunshine (causing the skin to burn) is 

a major factor. People with fair or red complexions are 

particularly at risk especially if they have been sunburnt during 

childhood and early adulthood. A small group of people may 

have a genetic predisposition to the development of melanoma 

and the use of sun beds is also thought to increase the risk of 

developing skin cancer. 

How are they treated? 

Treatment of malignant melanoma depends largely on the result 

of your biopsy, which usually involves close but complete 

surgical excision of the mole, and will tell us how thick your 

melanoma is (the Breslow thickness). You will be given the 

results of your tests approximately 4 weeks afterwards in the 

outpatients department. 

Following your biopsy you may need to have another operation 

called a “wide local excision” this is where a margin of healthy 

tissue is removed from around your biopsy scar. See additional 

leaflet on “wide local excision”. 

In some cases you will be asked to have other investigations to 

find out if there has already been any spread of your melanoma. 

Lentigo maligna (a form of malignant melanoma in situ) is not 

always treated with surgery because it has not penetrated into 

the deeper layer of skin it can sometimes be treated with 

radiotherapy or chemotherapy creams. 







- 

Follow-Up Care 

You will initially need to be seen as an outpatient every 3 months 

for 3 years, this may then be continued on a 6 monthly basis for 

a further 2 years. 

At your follow-up appointments your melanoma site will be 

examined for signs of recurrence and your lymph glands will be 

examined for signs of enlargement. You will be shown what to 

look for in your melanoma site and how to examine your own 

lymph glands by your Consultant and the Clinical Nurse 

Specialist. See additional leaflet on “how to check your lymph 

nodes”. 

Telephone numbers for follow-up appointments: 

Dermatology 01752 439936 

Plastic Surgery 01752 439937/431184 

Oncology 01752 763994 





Wide Local Excision 

The aim of this surgery is to remove an area of healthy tissue 

from around the site of the melanoma and therefore minimise 

the risk of the cancer returning to that area. You will already 

have a scar from where you had your mole/lesion removed, and 

as we need to take away more skin you will end up with a 

slightly longer scar. The wound itself will be closed with stitches 

and tape over the top to reinforce the wound. The stitches (if 

they are not dissolvable) will need to be removed 7–14 days 

post surgery. 

In some cases there will not be enough skin to close the wound 

directly, in which case you may need to have a skin graft, but 

your doctor will discuss this with you beforehand. 

Following your procedure your doctor will advise you on care of 

the wound. 

Possible post operative problems 

Pain – You may experience some mild discomfort following 

surgery. This can easily be controlled with mild pain killers. 

You will be given a supply before you leave hospital. 

Bruising and haematoma – You may experience some 

bruising. This will gradually disappear, but occasionally blood 

collects within the tissues surrounding the wound causing 

swelling, discomfort and hardness. This is called a haematoma. 

Although the blood will eventually be reabsorbed by the body, 

this can take a few weeks. If the haematoma causes you a lot of 

discomfort, you should contact: 

• Your GP 

• Dermatology Department on 763053 

• Plastic Surgery Dressing Clinic on 01752 431024 





Infection – If your wound becomes red, inflamed, more painful 

or begins to ooze you may need a course of antibiotics, so you 

will need to contact: 

• Your GP 

• Dermatology Department on 01752 763053 

• Plastic Surgery Dressing Clinic on 01752 431024 

Movement – Depending on where your wound is you may need 

to be careful when moving/lifting but you will be told this before 

you leave hospital. 

Follow-Up Appointment 

You will need to have a wound check following surgery. This is 

to check that there are no problems and that your wound is 

healing well. This may be done at your G.P.’s surgery by the 

practice nurse (you will need to make an appointment). 

Following this you may need to come back to the hospital 

outpatient department for follow-up. (See previous paragraph on 

follow-up care). 





How to Check Your Lymph Nodes 


Introduction 

You have been diagnosed with a skin cancer that on occasions 

can spread into the lymphatic system. That is why, as part of 

your examination, your nodes are examined by your doctor or 

specialist nurse at your follow-up appointments. The lymph 

nodes examined depend on the location of your skin cancer, 

eg: if your skin cancer was on your leg then the lymph nodes in 

your inguinal area (groin) will be felt or if on your face then the 

nodes in your head and neck would be examined. The aim is to 

detect any enlargement of the lymph nodes and undertake 

investigations at an early stage. Some people express a wish to 

check their own lymph nodes between clinic appointments. This 

is why you have been given this information. Your doctor or 

nurse will show you how and which lymph nodes to check. 

The Lymphatic System 

This system consists of 

lymphatic vessels and 

tissue. Lymph is a fluid that 

contains proteins and waste 

materials, which is collected 

from around the cells in the 

body, eventually draining into 

larger vessels. 

Position of Lymph Nodes 





Lymphatic vessels. 

One way of describing this is to imagine a river that starts as a 

small stream, which then weaves its way between the cells and 

small blood vessels of the body’s connective tissue. On its 

journey more tissue and waste material is collected. The fluid 

(lymph) that accumulates firstly drains into larger lymph vessels, 

then into ducts in the neck, before emptying into the blood 

stream. 

Lymphatic tissue. 

Lymph nodes are small oval clumps of lymphatic tissue found at 

intervals along the vessels. They are grouped like “beads on a 

string” both deep in the body and near the surface (see previous 

diagram). These lymph nodes filter out harmful organisms and 

cells from the lymphatic fluid before it is returned to the blood 

stream. Lymph nodes can only be felt in the areas listed: 

• head and neck 

• arms 

• axilla (armpits) 

• inguinal area (groin) 

• back of knees 

Usually lymph nodes are not enlarged and thus not able to be 

felt, but if you have previously had an infection (such as 

tonsillitis) you may have noticed and felt lymph nodes becoming 

enlarged, painful and tender. Lymph nodes can also become 

enlarged due to cancer cells lodging in them. 

Checking your lymph nodes once a month is sufficient and this 

can be done at the same time as you check your skin for any 

changing moles. Checking them more often may result 

indifficulty noticing any change. 

Do not panic if you feel a lymph node as it may well be due to an 

infection, but if it has not gone away in a week contact your 

doctor or specialist nurse. 





How to Check Lymph Nodes in the Head 

and Neck 


• With your fingertips, in a gentle circular motion feel the lymph 

nodes shown. 

• Start with the nodes in front of the ear (1) then follow in order 

finishing just above the collar bone (10) 

• Always check your nodes in this order. 

• Check both sides for comparison. If you have an enlarged 

lymph node it may feel like a swelling the size of a pea, 

sometimes they can be larger. 

When feeling the nodes in your neck (marked 8): 

• Tilt your head towards the side you are examining, this helps 

to relax the muscle. 

• Now press your fingers under the muscle. 

When checking the lymph nodes above the collar bone: 

• Hunch your shoulders and bring your elbows forward to relax 

the skin. 

• Now feel above the collar bone (marked 10). 

How to Check Lymph Nodes in the Head and Neck 




How to Check Lymph Nodes in the Armpit 


Remove all clothing down to the waist to get easy access 

to the armpits. 

• Sit in a comfortable position. 

• Check each armpit in turn. 

To check the left side, lift your arm slightly then place the fingers 

of your right hand high into the armpit and then lower your arm. 

• Feel in the central area of the armpit. 

Now move your fingers firmly against the chest wall as 

follows: 

• Along the front border of the armpit. 

• Along the back border of the armpit. 

• Feel along the inner border of the arm. 

Now check the other armpit. 

How to Check Lymph Nodes in The Armpit 




How to Check Lymph Nodes in the Groin 


There are two areas to look for inguinal (groin) nodes: 

• Feel the horizontal chain of nodes in the right groin just 

below the ligament (see above diagram). 

• Feel the vertical chain along the upper thigh (see above 

diagram). 

• Check the lymph nodes in the other groin. 

Conclusion 

The purpose of this information is to help you understand why 

you have your nodes checked at your follow-up appointments. 

It explains which lymph nodes you need to check and how to 

undertake this procedure yourself. The aim is to ensure that if in 

the unlikely case there is spread of your skin cancer to the 

lymph nodes, it is detected and reported to your doctor or nurse 

straight away rather than waiting until your next clinic 

appointment. 

How to Check Lymph Nodes in the Groin 




Pre-operative Assessment 

What is pre-operative assessment and why do I 

have to have it? 

Pre-operative assessment is an outpatient clinic you will be 

asked to attend prior to your surgery. It will be on Marlborough 

Ward, Level 10 at Derriford Hospital. 

Assessing you before your operation allows us to: 

• determine your fitness for the forthcoming anaesthetic 

• give you information about your operation and answer any 

questions you may have 

• prepare you for your operation and plan your discharge 

You will be seen one to two weeks before your operation 

How long will it take? 

Assessment itself usually takes about 45 minutes, but you will 

need to allow time for any tests to be carried out. Please allow 

two hours in total. 

How will I be assessed? 

Pre-assessment is a very individual process where a specially 

trained nurse will assess you. It may also be necessary for you 

to see 

• A consultant or doctor 

• An anaesthetist 

What does the assessment involve? 

The assessment will involve checking: 

• any previous medical / surgical history 

• whether you have any current medical problems 

• any medications you take 

• how you will manage at home with personal hygiene and 

domestic chores 

Pre-operative Assesment 



• what help and support you have, e.g. with cooking, 

shopping, care of young children 


We will give you information about: 

• the operation itself 

• how long you can expect to be in hospital 

• what to expect after the operation and your discharge 

from hospital 

• some of the risks involved 

• we will want to weigh you, record your blood pressure and 

pulse 

We may also want to carry out other investigations, including: 

• blood tests 

• ECG (tracing of heart activity) 

• MRSA screening 

What do I need to bring? 

You need to bring any medication you are taking 

What happens if you feel unwell or we find 

something wrong? 

Simple problems can often be treated by your GP before you are 

due to come into hospital, this will allow the operation to go 

ahead as planned. However, complicated problems are 

sometimes more difficult to solve; your consultant or anaesthetist 

may postpone your operation temporarily to allow time for further 

tests or treatment. This is to ensure you are as fit as possible for 

your operation. If this happens you will be given a new 

admission date as soon as possible. 

If you have any problems / queries please 

do not hesitate to contact Marlborough Ward 

Tel: 0845 155 8133 

Pre-operative Assesment 



Skin Grafts for Skin Cancer 



Surgery for skin cancer involves removing the affected area and 

some of the surrounding, healthy-looking skin. If the area is 

fairly small, it will be possible to close the wound by bringing the 

edges of the skin together. Larger wounds may need a skin graft 

to cover the area. 

Skin grafts are layers of skin taken from another part of the body 

(see the ‘donor site’ leaflet) and placed over the area where the 

cancer has been removed. A partial thickness (or split thickness) 

skin graft is where the epidermis and a part of the dermis layer is 

used. The skin is usually taken from the thigh, buttock or upper 

arm. Skin will grow back in this area. 

A full thickness skin graft is where the epidermis and the full 

dermis layers are used. In this case, only a small area is taken 

from the donor site and the skin edges of the donor site are then 

stitched together to heal. Skin may be taken from the neck, the 

area behind the ears and the inner side of the upper arm. 

How is a skin graft applied? 

You may have either a general or a local anaesthetic depending 

on the area being grafted. Your doctor will advise you which is 

best for you. Once the skin layer has been taken from the donor 

site, it is placed over the wound where the cancer has been 

removed. The graft may be stapled, stitched or glued in place, 

or simply laid onto the area. These techniques depend on the 

patient, the size of the skin graft and the area where it is applied, 

or on the Consultant’s instructions. 

What happens after the surgery? 

You will need to take things gently for the first two weeks to allow 

the graft to heal properly. The grafted area is quite fragile, so it 

is important not to rub or brush against the graft or the dressing, 





or put any pressure on the area. If it is anywhere other than on 

your leg(s), you can start walking as soon as you feel up to it. 

If it is on one or both of your legs, then we encourage limited 

mobility for usually for 2 days, or until the skin graft is secure 

enough for walking. This means you can transfer from bed to 

chair only and avoiding putting any weight through the grafted 

leg. The nursing staff will advise you when you can start to walk. 

If the grafted area is on your hand you may have a sling to keep 

your arm raised as much as possible. 

What dressing will be used? 

Both the graft and donor site will be covered by a dressing. The 

dressing applied to the graft is important as it helps to immobilise 

the grafted area, which will encourage the graft to take. 

Will I need to keep it dressed when I go home? 

Yes, in the early days a protective dressing will be necessary. 

This will be changed by either the plastic surgery dressing clinic 

at the hospital, the district nurse or by your GP practice nurse if 

you can attend there. 

How can I help my skin graft to take? 

By eating a healthy balanced diet with plenty of protein such as 

milk, meat, cheese, yoghurt, eggs and fish. Avoiding smoking 

also helps as smoking slows down the healing process by 

reducing the oxygen and blood supply to the grafted area. 

What will my skin graft look like? 

With any skin graft, scar formation is inevitable. The appearance 

of your skin graft will change considerably over the weeks and 

months to follow, so its initial appearance should not cause 

alarm. It can take up to 18 months for a scar to “mature”, usually 

leaving a pale, soft, flat and supple surface. 





How do I care for the skin graft once it has healed? 

Skin grafts have fewer oil and sweat glands so tend to become 

dry. When the graft is completely healed, it should be kept clean 

by gentle washing. Avoid very hot water and never use highly 

perfumed soaps, creams or bubble baths until it is well healed. 

You need to gently massage oily cream in once or twice a day to 

moisturise the graft and keep the skin supple. E45, aqueous 

cream or unperfumed Nivea can be used. This is usually kept 

up for 6 months. 

Will I need to wear any support when I go home? 

If your skin graft is on your leg, yes you will. Tubigrip (an elastic 

stocking) is required for walking for several months after and 

should not be discontinued without medical advice. Tubigrip 

should be applied in the morning and removed when you go to 

bed. Your leg(s) should be elevated on a stool when you are 

resting to prevent any unnecessary swelling. 

Is there any other advice I should know about 

caring for my skin graft? 

Yes, the skin graft will be very sensitive to the sun. The graft 

may sunburn more readily or develop blotchy pigmentation. For 

the first year during strong sunshine, your graft should be 

protected. Keep it covered up or use total block cream that you 

can buy from your local chemist. 

If you experience any problems immediately after your 

discharge from hospital, you can telephone Lynher Ward 

anytime on 01752 7922744 for advice. If you experience any 

problems once you are under the care of the dressing clinic, 

please contact them on 01752 431024 (Monday-Friday, 0830- 

1630). 





Donor Sites 

What is a donor site? 

A donor site is the area left where a piece of skin has been taken 

to cover a wound on another part of the body. There are various 

areas from which skin can be taken, such as the thigh, the upper 

arm, or even the buttocks. 

How long will it take for the donor site to heal? 

It usually takes around 10-14 days. The dressing applied in 

theatre at the time of your operation will stay in place for that 

period and should be kept clean and dry. A donor site is like a 

bad graze, so the dressing protects the raw surface and allows it 

to heal, and also soaks up any fluid that naturally seeps from the 

wound. This can sometimes cause a strange odour, but this is 

normal. 

Will the dressing need to be changed before the 

10-14 day period? 

There are times when a donor area does need to be changed, 

such as if the dressing becomes loose, if there is an excessive 

loss of fluid through the dressing or if it becomes infected. This 

can be done by the hospital nurse if you are still in hospital, by 

the plastic surgery dressing clinic nurses or by your local 

practice nurse once you have been discharged. 

Will I get any pain from my donor site? 

Some people experience more pain than others, usually within 

the first 48 hours. Regular painkillers, such as paracetamol, can 

be taken. 

Donor Sites 




Who will remove the dressing when it is due to 

come off? 

This will be done by the plastic surgery dressing clinic at the 

hospital, the district nurse or by your GP practice nurse if you 

can attend there. This will be arranged by the ward staff when 

you are discharged. The dressing usually loosens itself as the 

wound heals, otherwise it can be soaked off in the bath. If the 

area is fully healed and dry, then it can be left exposed and you 

can massage in cream, such as E45 or Nivea, twice a day. 

Do not apply it to raw areas. 

Do I have to be careful about what clothing I wear? 

Try not to wear articles of clothing that might make you itch or 

may be too tight. But if you find that some clothes do rub, a 

protective dry dressing should be worn. 

Will my donor site look like normal skin when it is 

healed? 

You can expect your donor site to change colour. At first it can 

look bright red, but over several months will become paler. 

Eventually it will blend in, but it may end up slightly paler than 

your surrounding skin. Be aware that, as with your skin graft, 

you should avoid strong sunlight, so you need to cover up or use 

total sun block. Advice should be taken from your doctor about 

lifting, stretching and returning to work. 

If you experience any problems immediately after your discharge 

from hospital, you can telephone Lynher Ward anytime on 

01752 7922744 for advice. If you experience any problems 

once you are under the care of the dressing clinic, please 

contact them on 01752 431024 (Monday-Friday, 0830-1630). 

Donor Sites 




Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) 

What is a squamous cell carcinoma? 

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of 

skin cancer. They are slow growing, red, scaly, irregular lesions 

that can bleed easily and fail to heal within 4-6 weeks. If left 

untreated they can spread to other parts of the body. 

What are the causes? 

Prolonged exposure to sunlight is the cause of almost all 

squamous cell carcinomas. They occur most frequently on 

exposed parts of the body such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, 

shoulders and back. Rarely, SCCs can develop on non-exposed 

areas of the body. Anyone with a history of frequent sun 

exposure and repeated sunburn are high risk and also people 

who have fair skin, light hair, and blue, green, or grey eyes. 

How are they treated? 

Squamous cell carcinoma can be treated by minor surgery under 

a local or general anaesthetic. Treatment depends on the size 

and position of the SCC and can involve:- 

Currettage: 

For very small SCCs this is a very effective treatment. Under a 

local anaesthetic your doctor can simply scrape the lesion away 

from your skin. This might leave a small scar. 

Surgery: 

Most SCCs can be cut out and this is often the best treatment. 

This allows the tissue to be tested by a pathologist to confirm the 

diagnosis and check that it has been completely removed. 

Occasionally excision is not complete or the margin is narrow 

necessitating further treatment. Cutting the SCC out means that 

Sqaumous Cell Carcinoma 




the hole left behind may require a skin graft (see leaflet on “skin 

grafts”). 

SCCs that are large (greater than 2cm in diameter) or thick, 

have a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body. If the 

SCC spreads to the local lymph glands (there may be a lump in 

the groin, armpit or neck) then surgical removal of all the glands 

in that area will be required. See leaflet “how to check your 

lymph nodes”. 

Radiotherapy: 

Treating SCCs with a very short and localised course of 

radiotherapy has been shown to be as effective in curing SCCs. 

In some patients this may be the best option. 

Follow up 

Patients with small, low risk SCCs may be discharged back to 

their GP after removal. 

Patients with more aggressive tumours are followed up regularly 

every 3-6 months in out patients for up to five years. Your doctor 

will decide how often your follow up will be. 

Telephone numbers for follow-up appointments: 

Dermatology 01752 439936 

Plastic Surgery 01752 439937/431184 

Oncology 01752 763994 

Sqaumous Cell Carcinoma 




Contact Details 

Some contacts that you may find useful: 

• Macmillan Cancer Support – contact cancer nurses for 

support and information, produce an extensive range of 

booklets and fact sheets on all aspects of cancer, available 

free to patients. 

Telephone 0808 808 0000 or www.macmillan.org.uk 

• Macmillan Cancer Support Fund – is a UK-wide charity 

which supports people living with cancer. Macmillan 

cancer relief will provide grants for people with cancer in 

financial need. Your skin cancer specialist nurse can apply for 

grants to the fund on your behalf. 

• Marcs Line – a resource centre for melanoma and related 

conditions and has a help line. 

Telephone 01722 415071 or marcsline@wessexcancer.org or 

www.wessexcancer.org 

• Cancer Research UK – a national information service for 

all types of cancer. 

Telephone 0808 800 4040 or www.cancerhelp.org.uk and 

www.sunsmart.org.uk 

• Winston’s Wish – guidance and information for families of 

bereaved children, supporting bereaved children and young 

people. 

Telephone 0845 203 0405 or www.winstonswish.org.uk 

• Benefit Enquiry Line – for help and advice on claiming 

benefit entitlements. 

Telephone 0800 882200 






• Citizens Advice Bureau –Your phone book will have the 

number for your local office. 

• Southwest Public Health Observatory 

www.swpho.nhs.uk 

• The Mustard Tree Macmillan Centre 

Offer people affected by cancer access to good quality, 

comprehensive and appropriate information and support. 

The Centre is based on Level 3, Derriford Hospital. 

Opening times are Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays). 

Drop in or telephone on 01752 763672. 

• The Triangle Centres 

For cancer support and information for patients, their families 

and carers. The Centres, staffed by professionals and trained 

volunteers, provide a friendly and welcoming environment 

where you can share your concerns, ask questions and 

receive support and information. 

Devonport, Cumberland Centre 

Mondays 1.45pm - 5.50pm 

Telephone 08451558002 

Kingsbridge, South Hams Hospital 

Tuesday 9.30am - 4.40pm 

Telephone 01548 852349 

Liskeard, Liskeard Community Hospital 

Thursday 9.30am - 4.30pm 

Telephone 01579 335600 Ext. 5628 

Tavistock, Tavistock Clinic 

Fridays 9.15am - 4.15pm 

Telephone 01822 615935 





Help with Finance 


Help with travel costs for patients 

Patients in receipt of the following can claim for help with travel 

expenses: 

• Pension credit (guaranteed credit) 

• Income support 

• Income based job seekers allowance 

• Working tax credit in certain cases 

• Child tax credit in certain cases 

• Patients on a low income who have been issued with a 

HC2 or HC3 form 

• Patients who are on a low income but are unable to 

produce the above should complete a HC1 or HC5 form 

and send it to the health benefits division in the envelope 

provided with the form 

• War pensions (claim direct from War Office) 

• Asylum Seekers 

Help with travel costs for carers 

Carers can claim back travel cost from the DWP social fund if 

the patient is in receipt of: 

• Pension credit 

• Income support 

• Income based job seeker allowance 

Other Funding for travel costs 

You may be eligible for assistance via other charitable funding 

such as Macmillan grants or local cancer charities. You can 

speak to our benefits advisor to check your entitlement. 







Full time benefits advisor 

We appreciate that during times of prolonged treatment a 

person’s financial position can alter radically. If you are not sure 

whether you are entitled to a benefit, or need help and advice, 

why not make a confidential appointment with our benefits 

advisor who is now full time within the Mustard Tree Cancer 

Support Centre. She can help with: 

• Prescription charges 

• Work and cancer 

• General benefits for those who are sick or are caring 

• Travel costs for patients and their carers 

• Macmillan Grants 

• Plymouth and Cornwall Cancer Fund 

• Patient Voluntary Welfare Fund 

Please ring the Mustard Tree Macmillan Centre (01752) 763672 

to arrange an appointment. 

How do I find out more information? 

Advice and useful links can also be obtained from 

www.be.macmillan.org.uk or from the Macmillan helpline on 

freefone 0808 808 0000 




Car Parking and Transport 


Public Transport 

Derriford Hospital is well served by buses from Plymouth and 

the surrounding area. For information on timetables and fares 

contact: 

http://www.traveline.org.uk 

Park and Ride 

Derriford is served well by public transport, hosting the second 

busiest bus terminal in Plymouth with 44 buses per hour calling 

at peak times. 

In addition, there is a public park and ride site located north of 

the hospital at the George junction (opposite the George 

Pub/Hotel). This is ideal for patients and visitors travelling from 

the north of the city to Derriford Hospital. It is open from 6.30am 

to 6.30pm and parking is free, although you will need to buy a 

ticket to travel on the bus (currently £1.50). 

Catch the First Bus no.7 service from the park and ride, which 

stops directly outside the main entrance to the hospital. 

The no.7 service leaves the park and ride every 30 minutes at 

24 minutes and 44 minutes past the hour. 





Walking and Cycling 

Walking or cycling to the hospital may be an option for you or 

visitors. Cycle parking is located by the main entrance. For a 

Plymouth cycle map contact Plymouth City Council on 304316 or 

pick one up from the hospital foyer. 

Taxis 

You can phone Taxifast free from the Derriford Hospital foyer on 

01752 222222. There are several other taxi providers, some of 

which are wheelchair accessible meaning patients can remain in 

their wheelchairs without transferring and drivers will convey 

patients direct to their appointments 

Drop-off bays 

Drop-off and collection bays are available around the hospital 

entrances. 

Transport Access for Patients (TAP) 

Priority is given to vulnerable people in isolated and rural areas. 

You may qualify for TAP if you: 

• Do not have or are unable for medical reasons to travel in 

your own transport 

• Cannot be driven to your healthcare appointment with friends, 

neighbours or relatives 

• Are medically unable to use public transport, or this is not 

practical due to your isolated/rural address AND without 

transport you will be unable to keep your hospital 

appointment. 

Please telephone TAP (Transport Access for Patients) 

On: 08450 539100 





Car parking charges 

There are several short-stay pay and display car parks for 

patients and visitors. Parking charges apply between 8am and 

9pm. 

Time 

Cost 

0-45 min Free (must obtain free ticket from pay and display 

45m-2hr £2.20 

2-3 hrs £3.30 

3-4 hrs £4.40 

4-6 hrs £6.60 

6-8 hrs £8.00 

No Charge between 21.00hrs – 07.00hrs 

There is a change machine at the main entrance on level 6. 

Concessions 

A range of concessionary tickets are available: 

• Patients attending clinics for Oncology, Chemotherapy or 

Radiotherapy. 

• Discounts are available for stays of a week or longer: 

£24 for a 5 day ticket (2 days free parking) 

£32 or a 7 day ticket (3 days free parking) 

£96 for a 1 month ticket (7 days free parking) 

All concessionary tickets can be shared between different 

vehicles 





For more information on these concessions please 

• ring 01752 763949 

• or go to the parking office in car park A. The parking office is 

open Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm; Saturday & Sunday 

3pm – 3.30pm and closed on Bank Holidays 

Free Parking 

The following groups are entitled to free parking: 

• All registered disabled patients who hold a disabled badge or 

drivers who are transporting a patient who holds a disabled 

badge 

• Relatives of those patients who are being cared for on the 

Liverpool End of Life Care Pathway (wards must ring to 

notify the parking office) 

Unexpected Stays 

If a patient’s stay is unexpectedly extended either due to clinics 

running late or unexpected admission to hospital, then please 

ask the ward/department to contact the parking office on 53949 

giving the patients car details and which car park they are parked 

in. 

Travel Expenses 

Some patients in receipt of certain state benefits may be entitled 

to a refund of their parking costs and travel expenses. Patients 

who are entitled to claim back their parking costs must collect a 

receipt from the parking office in car park A and take this receipt 

to the cashier’s office on level 7, Derriford Hospital or telephone 

0845 155 8170. 




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Skin Cancer Service - Plymouth Hospitals

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