Breast cancer care in Aberdeen

Breast cancer patients can receive on-site chemotherapy at Albyn Hospital in the Sunflower Suite, an out-patient oncology clinic.

The administration of chemotherapy and support therapies is delivered by our team of skilled, experienced oncology nurses, a consultant oncologist and the wider support team. 

If a patient requires radiotherapy they will be referred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to continue their private treatment, remaining under the continued care of their oncology consultant.

Our multidisciplinary private cancer care team work closely together to provide wrap around patient care. The team includes:

• Private Consultant Oncologist
• Private Consultant Breast Oncoplastic Surgeons
• Private Oncology Nurses
• Private Specialist Nurses
• Private Physiotherapists

The team will work with the patient to plan a treatment schedule and will discuss with them how long the treatments are likely to take. When being discharged from the hospital, our nursing team will liaise with the consultant, GP and community-based staff to ensure the discharge process is appropriate to individual patient needs.

We have a close relationship with local cancer support groups and charities in and around the local area such as Friends of Anchor, Macmillian Cancer Support and CLAN Cancer Support. The Oncology team at Albyn Hospital make appropriate referrals to them for ongoing support.

In addition, all patients are welcome to attend the 'Breast Friends' support group which meets monthly at our hospital. This Group serves as a vital breast cancer peer support network, where everyone involved offers invaluable mutual support, understanding and encouragement throughout various stages of treatment and beyond.

In May 2023, the outpatient oncology department  - The Sunflower Suite, was awarded the Macmillan Quality Environmental Mark (MQEM) – a quality framework that recognises cancer environments that go above and beyond in the way they create their service that understands the needs of patients.

Macmillian Assessors noted that the Sunflower Suite exceeded the level required to attain the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark at the first assessment. The team attained an overall score of 5 (excellent) across the 4 domains that were assessed.

"For the last 19 months these truly amazing ladies have supported and helped me through my journey of treatments. They are a first-class team and anyone about to embark on treatment with them, you are in very special hands. I have shed a lot of tears, laughed a lot and eaten a lot of cakes in the Sunflower Suite. These ladies will always hold a special place in my heart” (Facebook comment from a patient)

 "The oncology team themselves are completely exceptional and a true credit to the hospital. They listen to everything you say and offer solutions or compassion” (patient feedback from internal system)

 "Couldn’t imagine it without you all. This team are like no other. I can’t even begin to explain the gratitude I have for them all. If you are about to receive treatment here, you are in the very best of hands and you are going to be supported so so well. Believe it or not, there are many smiles and laughs to be had in the darkest of times at the Sunflower Suite” (Facebook comment from a patient)