When you are first diagnosed with cancer, it is emotionally overwhelming for you and for your loved ones. No matter how well informed you are by your doctor and the team at the hospital, you will find yourself reeling with shock and wrestling with questions that you should have asked or did ask but can't remember the answer to. This section of the site aims to answer the most frequently asked questions we get asked. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We'd be delighted to help.
As a result of dedicated fundraising, over £330,000 was raised to create a holistic, complementary therapy Centre which opened its doors in September 1998 in space provided by the hospital.
At present 22 therapies are offered; the facilities include counselling, complementary therapy rooms, art and music room, therapeutic garden and a lending library of books and videos.
The Fountain Centre is run by a team of two paid medical professionals and 90 trained volunteers and professional therapists. From 9.00am - 5.00pm, Mondays to Fridays, there is always a trained member of staff on duty to help you in any way possible. Experienced and caring counsellors are present to help patients and their families cope with the diagnosis of cancer. It doesn't matter what type of support you need, physical, emotional, spiritual or practical, we know how to help. We even have strong links with our local Citizen Advice Bureau and Social Services, enabling patients with financial difficulties to access the resource they offer.
The patients' first four hands-on therapy sessions are free; for any further treatment, a donation would be gratefully received. Carers and relatives can have these therapy treatments but will be asked to make a contribution to the therapists. Counselling is free. People receiving benefits are not excluded from having treatments after their four free ones have been used. They should speak to a member of the Operations team.
Yes, either by visiting the Centre or by phone.
There are many ways you can explore the therapies we offer here. Take a look around this site, or pick up a booklet from reception. Call in and speak to one of our health professionals or volunteers, or book some time with our therapists. We can even arrange for you to speak with patients who have experienced the therapies you are interested in if it helps.
It operates as an independent charity within the hospital's St Luke’s Cancer Centre. The Royal Surrey County Hospital Trust, together with Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Fountain Centre (Guildford) Ltd charity, fund two permanent salaries, which include health care and administrative professionals.
The Centre is open to all on a drop-in basis, but hands-on treatments can only be offered to patients and carers who are registered with a SWSH/St Luke’s Cancer Centre Consultant.
Evidence of qualification and competency and a police check is obtained for all therapists working in the Centre; their insurances are checked annually. These procedures are carried out through the Hospital's Volunteer Services Co-ordinator.
There is an operations team, who have a mix of health care training, social services, counselling and complementary therapy skills.
Yes, through the Integrated Cancer Care Service, those pursuing alternative therapies are supported. This service is funded separately and is overseen by a medical consultant.
Yes there is a waiting list for counselling. Hypnotherapy is recommended for the interim period while you wait for your appointment to come through.