Phone: 01282 805162
What we do
The Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) Unit at Burnley General Teaching Hospital provides treatment for oncology patients, who live within East Lancashire.
Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) is the use of drugs to treat or control cancer. This includes cytotoxic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of these.
Our patients have to be referred to us by an oncology consultant after being diagnosed with some form of cancer. We are a day-case unit, and we have 14 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).
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 Primrose Chemotherapy unit is based in Area 3 Level 3 Edith Watson at Burnley General Hospital.
Please see a short video below which shows you around the unit:
Please note this is a visual tour of the unit and the video is not accessible for the visually impaired.
Key Colleagues
Joanne Kippax is the manager of the Burnley SACT Unit.
The unit has one senior sister, two 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 two ward clerks.
All of our patients will be under the care of one of our thirteen medical or clinical oncology consultants.
General enquiries
If you have a general queries or questions related to an appointment for SACT the contact number is 01282 805162.
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 and information about where there are designated parking spaces.
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.