What should I expect when I arrive at the day ward?

On arrival at the day ward, you will be assigned a place or asked to take a seat in the waiting room for a while. In either case, you will first be seen by a nurse. This nurse will check how you have been, take your blood pressure, temperature and weight and take your blood sample. Allow at least 1.5 hours for the results of your blood test to be known.

An assistant (doctor-specialist in training to become a gynaecologist), a specialised nurse, or a co-assistant/intern (student in training to become a doctor) will examine you clinically and discuss any symptoms and changes in your home medication. If you are participating in a clinical study, you will also be seen by a study coordinator.

The assistant or trainee will discuss your file with the supervisor. Once your blood results are known and no problems are noted, your therapy can be prescribed. After validation by the supervisor, the pharmacy receives the prescription and can start preparation. If abnormal values are shown on your blood test, your treatment may have to be postponed or adjusted, your home medication may have to be adjusted or additional tests may have to be carried out. The doctor will discuss this with you.

Allow at least 1 hour for your medication to be prepared at the pharmacy. Certain products have a longer preparation time. Once the medication is finished and arrived at the day room, the treatment will be started by nurses. If you are given a drip, some post-treatment flushing will be done. After the end of your treatment, if you feel well and no other examinations are planned, you can normally leave for home. Some therapies require you to stay in hospital for a certain time after administration for observation. Some clinical trials may also require you to stay longer, for observation or to carry out additional blood tests or investigations. If it is necessary for you to stay longer in the day hospital after the end of your treatment, the doctor will discuss this with you in good time.

More information can be found in our brochure ‘Oncology day care hospitals welcome brochure’: https://www.uzleuven.be/en/brochure/700773.