Information and contact us
Welcome to our pages for the Royal Devon cancer service. We deliver care, treatment and support for patients across Devon, working in partnership with other Trusts and specialist centres for specific types of cancers and related conditions.
We understand the impact that a cancer diagnosis has on our patients, their carers, family and friends, both physically and psychologically. Our aim is to provide the highest standard of care possible, making sure that you feel informed, respected and supported at every stage of your pathway.
We work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to assess, diagnose, treat and monitor your condition, providing you with options that are specific for your type of cancer and appropriate for your needs. Alongside this, we will put you in touch with support services and partner charities so that you can live well with and beyond cancer.
The following pages provide an overview of our service, but please get in contact if you have a specific question related to your care.
Contact numbers
Seamoor Unit
Seamoor Unit, Level 1
North Devon District Hospital
Seamoor unit: 01271 311579
Acute Oncology Service: 01271 311579
Out of Hours: 01271 322577 and ask for Bleep 500
The Fern Centre
Fern Centre, North Devon District Hospital
01271 311 855
Exeter Oncology Centre
Exeter Oncology Centre
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Call our hospital switchboard on 01392 411611
Cherrybrook patient hotline
Non-urgent: 01392402876
Urgent: 07825401059.
Acute Oncology Service
Northern services - 01271 311579 (Out of Hours Service – 01271 322577 and ask for Bleep 500).
Eastern services -please call the 24-hour patient advice line on 07825401059.
Where will I be seen?
Depending on your appointment, you may be seen at one of our main hospital sites, at a community hospital, or in a specific community setting. Some specialties and treatment options are based solely at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford), such as radiotherapy and some types of surgery.
We work collaboratively with Derriford Hospital, the regional centre for neurosurgery to provide diagnostic and oncological services for patients with brain and central nervous system cancers.
We also refer patients to specialist national centres for advice and treatment planning when necessary.
Your healthcare professional will be able to advise where your appointment will take place, or you will receive the information in a letter.
For our Northern Services, you are likely to visit our Seamoor Unit, a dedicated chemotherapy and day treatment unit situated on level 1 at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple.
We also have the Fern Centre, a Cancer and Wellbeing Centre for those affected by cancer in the North Devon area.
The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
The Exeter Oncology Centre is home to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)'s oncology outpatient clinics and our radiotherapy department.
The main hospital site also has a day case chemotherapy department, haematology services and a dedicated oncology ward.
You may also be seen within the surgical and medical outpatient departments depending on your appointment.
Community hospitals and other settings
Some of our services are available within our community hospitals. A full list of these can be found by visiting the 'our sites' section of our website.
Your healthcare professional will be able to advise if a community location has the appropriate facilities for your individual care plan.
There are other community settings that provide our services too. For example, certain skin cancer services are provided by Litchdon House in Barnstaple. For Eastern services, this is accessible at Heavitree Hospital as well as specific GP practices in Tiverton, Exmouth and Sidmouth.
I'm receiving treatment, what should I do if I feel unwell?
If you are receiving chemotherapy and are experiencing concerns with side effects, it is important you let your healthcare professional know as soon as possible.
Our Acute Oncology service is here to help.
Northern services
Acute Oncology Service Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm on: 01271 311579.
For side effect management at weekends or from 6pm on a weekday, please telephone the Out Of Hours service on: 01271 322577 and ask for “Bleep 500”.
Eastern services
Please call the 24-hour patient advice line on 07825401059.
What happens when I'm first referred?
You will usually be referred to us by your GP or other healthcare professional. Your first appointment may involve assessments/screening procedures such as a physical examination, blood tests or imaging. We will always explain these to you and make sure you understand the procedure.
We understand that this is an anxious time for you and your family. Our compassionate and friendly team will help you navigate your pathway and provide support along the way.
What happens if I am diagnosed?
Every patient that is diagnosed with cancer will have an expert multi-disciplinary team who will help plan your care. This will be discussed with you at every step so that you can make informed decisions and access the information you need.
You may be offered a number of treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery.
You can find out more about the conditions we treat and how to access support.
Who will I see?
Every person with a suspected or confirmed cancer is cared for by a team of healthcare professionals knows as the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). All MDTs include:
- Cancer Nurse Specialist/s
- Physicians
- Radiologists
- Pathologists
- Surgeons
- Oncologists
- Research Nurses
- Dietitians
- Physiotherapists
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Radiographers
The MDT meet regularly to discuss patients who have a cancer diagnosis and decide the most appropriate treatment plans.
Other professionals who may be involved in your care can include:
- GPs
- Palliative Care Team
- District Nurse
- Occupational Therapists
- Social Workers
- Clinical Psychologist
Northern services - arriving for your appointment
There is a pickup/drop-off zone just outside the entrance of the Seamoor Unit. Our site page explains more about parking options, travel options and pricing.
If you are planning to drive yourself to the hospital, please check with your Clinical Nurse Specialist or your treatment nurse whether you will be fit and safe enough to drive yourself home afterwards.
Help with travel
The cancer care car is part of the charitable organisation GoNorthDevon. It is a door-to-door car service for patients needing to travel to North Devon District Hospital for oncology-related appointments or other cancer-related appointments at local hospitals. This service is only for patients who are unable to use public transport to get to their appointments and who do not have any independent means of travel.
- Journeys under 5 miles - £6.00 (single or return journey)
- Journeys over 5 miles - £12.00 (single or return journey)
The bookings line is open from 9.30am - 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays. Call 01271 328866 for more information and to book your transport or visit the GoNorthDevon website.
Eastern services - arriving for your appointment
Our site page explains more about parking options, travel options and pricing.
If you are planning to drive yourself to the hospital, please check with your Clinical Nurse Specialist or your treatment nurse whether you will be fit and safe enough to drive yourself home afterwards.
For those attending for regular treatment, please give the reception staff your vehicle registration number and vehicle details and they will add your vehicle to the exemption list.