Phone: 01254 734590
What we do
Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) Unit at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital provides treatment for both oncology and haematology patients, who live within the East Lancashire area. Our patients have to be referred to us by either an oncology consultant or a haematology consultant after being diagnosed with some form of cancer. We are a day-case unit, and we have 20 chairs on the unit. We also carry out some minor procedures on the unit including insertion of semi-permanent lines for certain treatments known as central venous access devices (CVAD) for certain treatments and bone marrow biopsies.
How to access the service
Patients can access the service once they have been referred to the SACT unit by a consultant. Appointments are always required as we do not offer a drop-in session yet.
Cancer Treatment 24/7 Helpline
If you are unwell and receiving SACT treatment or have a complication of your cancer; there is a 24/7 helpline available for advice and guidance. The trust provides a 24-hour helpline which is manned by acute oncology clinical nurse specialists, so advice is always available for our patients.
Please call 01254 733362.
If you are on anti-cancer treatment and feel unwell, always seek medical advice
Where to find us
The SACT Unit is based on level 4 on ward D5 at Royal Blackburn Hospital.
Our Team
Jo Dixon is the manager at Blackburn SACT Unit.
The unit has one senior sister, three junior sisters and ten staff nurses who are all trained in administering Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT)
The unit has three health care assistants and three ward clerks.
All of our patients will be under the care of consultants.
General enquiries
If you have a general queries or questions related to an appointment for SACT the contact number is 01254 734590.
Opening/visiting times
The SACT unit is open from 8.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and closed on bank holidays.
Visitors are not allowed on the unit at any time during opening hours, for patient safety due to the space available and patients are immunocompromised whilst undergoing treatment. If you do need to bring a relative or carer with you, please call the unit beforehand and ask to speak to the nursing team.
Additional Information
Parking is available for patients undergoing SACT. Please speak directly to the team on the unit for a parking permit.
Whilst on the unit our patients will be offered hot and cold beverages and are provided with either a hot or cold meal at dinner time. Our patients are allowed to bring in their own food and soft drinks if desired.
Many of our patients bring their own books or tablets to keep themselves occupied whilst sitting and having their treatments.
