Your first visit to radiotherapy

Welcome to the James Cook Cancer Institute

We understand that attending your first radiotherapy appointment can feel daunting. Our team will do everything possible to help you feel comfortable, informed and supported throughout your treatment.

The radiotherapy department at the James Cook Cancer Institute provides treatment for patients from across Teesside, North Yorkshire and beyond, delivering around 40,000 radiotherapy treatments each year.

This page explains what to expect before, during and after your first visit.

Before you attend

Please bring:

Your appointment letter
A list of any medications you are currently taking
Any relevant hospital paperwork
Glasses or hearing aids if you use them
Details of any special requirements or mobility aids

If you have any accessibility requirements or require an interpreter, please let us know before your appointment.

Getting to the hospital

The James Cook University Hospital is located on Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW. The hospital is clearly signposted from major routes including the A66, A19 and A174.

By car

Visitor parking is available on site. The hospital operates a ticketless parking system using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).

Dedicated disabled parking spaces and parent and child spaces are available.

By bus

Regular bus services operate to and from the hospital from Middlesbrough and surrounding areas.

By train

The hospital has its own railway station on the Esk Valley Line, approximately a 5 to 10 minute walk from the hospital entrances.

When you arrive

Please make your way to the radiotherapy reception desk where a member of staff will check your details and confirm your appointment.

If this is your first visit, please arrive a little earlier to allow time to check in and ask any questions you may have.

If you are unsure where to go, our reception teams and volunteers will be happy to help.

Who will I meet?

During your radiotherapy journey you may meet a number of healthcare professionals including:

Therapeutic radiographers
Consultant radiographers
Clinical oncologists
Advanced practitioners
Review radiographers
Medical physicists
Dosimetrists
Mould Room technicians
Radiotherapy engineers

Our multidisciplinary team works together to ensure your treatment is delivered safely, accurately and with your individual needs at the centre of every decision.

Your first appointment

What happens during your first appointment will depend on where you are in your treatment pathway.

A planning CT scan

Many patients attend for a CT planning scan before treatment begins.

This scan allows the radiotherapy team to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and treatment requirements.

Treatment preparation

Some patients may need additional preparation before treatment, such as:

Positioning assessments
Immobilisation devices
Skin markings or tattoo dots
Breathing assessments for specialist treatments

Your team will explain everything beforehand.

Treatment

If you are attending for your first treatment appointment, radiographers will explain the process and answer any questions before treatment begins.

Radiotherapy itself is painless and most patients do not feel anything whilst treatment is being delivered.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes.

Family members, friends and carers are welcome to accompany you to the department.

For safety reasons visitors cannot usually remain in the treatment room whilst treatment is being delivered, but they are welcome to wait nearby and accompany you before and after your appointment.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.

Depending on the area being treated, you may be asked to remove certain items of clothing during your appointment.

Two-piece outfits are often easier for many patients attending radiotherapy appointments.

Refreshments and facilities

Facilities are available throughout the hospital site including:

Cafés and restaurants
Shops
Toilets and accessible facilities
Disabled access throughout the department

If you need assistance during your visit, please speak to a member of staff.

If you are delayed

We understand that travel difficulties can sometimes occur.

If you expect to be more than 20 minutes late for your CT planning scan or radiotherapy appointment, please phone 01642 854941.

Hospital transport

Patients who have a medical condition that prevents them from using their own transport or public transport may be eligible for patient transport services.

Further information can be found on the trust’s transport pages or through the contact details provided in your appointment letter.