At UCLH Private Healthcare, we provide expert care for young people with blood cancers (including leukaemia), other serious or long-term blood conditions like thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, and sarcoma (cancer of the soft tissues).
We understand that teenagers and younger children have different needs from adults. That’s why our services are specially designed for people aged 13 up to 18, and also younger children for particular conditions.
We treat:
- Teenagers aged 13 up to 18 with blood cancers, non-cancerous blood disorders, or solid tumours
- Children and young people up to 18 years old with lymphoma or solid tumours
From diagnosis to recovery, we have an expert team of consultants and other highly specialist health professionals beside our young people every step of the way, providing the best possible clinical care as well as the physical and emotional support that you and your family might need.
We provide expert care for a wide range of conditions.
For older patients aged 13 up to 18, we treat:
- Leukaemia (both acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML))
- Bone marrow failure
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Thalassaemia
- Immunodeficiencies
We are also able to treat younger patients up to the age of 18 for:
- Solid tumours: Ewing’s sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and certain brain tumours
- Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Advanced testing and diagnostics: We use the latest and most advanced tests to understand each patient’s condition. For example, we offer molecular testing and genetic sequencing which help us find out exactly what type of blood cancer or condition the patient has and how serious it is. This allows us to choose the best treatment for every young patient.
Our team of experts will always carefully review each patient’s medical history and current health before admitting them to our London hospital and we will only accept patients when we believe we can make a positive difference to their condition.
During treatment, a multidisciplinary team of experts will closely monitor how each patient is responding. If needed, we adjust the treatment to make sure it works as well as possible. Our goal is to give every young person the best chance of recovery, with excellent clinical care and full emotional support.
Personalised care delivered by expert teams: Every young person seen by our team is given a lead consultant who specialises in their condition. In addition, a full team of cancer and blood disorder experts work together to plan and review every patient’s care. This team includes
- Chemotherapy experts (medical oncologists)
- Radiotherapy experts (clinical oncologists)
- Blood specialists (haematologists)
- Pathologists
- Radiologists
Each expert brings a different point of view to make sure our patients receive the best possible care.
While in hospital, our patients are looked after day and night by their lead consultant and a team of experienced doctors. All of them are highly trained in treating leukaemia, lymphoma, and other cancers and blood disorders.
Our wards are staffed by nurses who are experts in chemotherapy and haematology. Every patient also has a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) who is their main point of contact throughout their treatment. These nurses help guide patients and families through every stage of their care.
We also provide extra support to help with physical and emotional well-being. Each patient’s team can include:
- Educational therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Dietitians
- Physiotherapists
- Play specialists (activity coordinators)
Together, this team makes sure the mental and physical health of our patients is supported, as well as treating their illness.
Expert care informed by the latest research: UCLH is one of the top teaching hospitals in the world. Our doctors and researchers are experts in treating blood cancer, leukaemia, and other blood disorders in young people. Because of their knowledge, our patients receive the most modern and effective treatments available today.
Our consultants are all leading or taking part in national or international studies about these diseases. This includes the Alltogether study which looks at the care of newly diagnosed patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
We also have consultants who are part of the London Sarcoma Service, one of Europe’s largest sarcoma centres.This expert team of specialist doctors, nurses, and other experts manages over 500 sarcoma cases a year, making it one of the most experienced sarcoma units anywhere.
Support after leaving hospital: We will work closely with specialists in your home country to make sure any care that is needed once you return home are communicated effectively. We also offer video appointments once you return home if you need to speak to one of our team.
We offer the latest and most effective treatments for blood cancer, leukaemia, and other blood disorders. Every treatment plan is tailored to meet the unique needs of each young person.
Our advanced treatment options include:
- Intensive chemotherapy - to destroy cancer cells
- Stem cell transplants - to help the body make healthy blood cells again
- Cellular therapies like CAR-T therapy - tailoring the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer
- Proton beam therapy (PBT) - a highly targeted treatment that focuses on tumours while protecting healthy tissue
Proton Beam Therapy at UCLH
Children, teenagers, and young adults are still growing, so it’s important to protect their healthy tissues during treatment. Proton beam therapy is more precise than traditional radiotherapy, which means it causes less damage to the rest of the body. This is especially helpful for young patients.
Young people with solid tumours can receive proton beam therapy at UCLH through our partnership with Proton International London. Treatment takes place in the new Grafton Way Building at University College Hospital. This service is fully connected with UCLH Private Healthcare, so your child’s care will be smooth and well-coordinated from start to finish.
You can learn more about Proton International’s service at UCLH by visiting the Proton International London website.
At UCLH Private Healthcare, we make sure that every child or teenager is cared for in a space that suits their age and needs.
Younger children stay in our paediatric ward, specially designed to make them feel safe and comfortable.
Teenagers and young adults are cared for in areas created just for them, with input in the design from other young people who have experienced cancer.
Outpatient care takes place at the Macmillan Cancer Centre, which includes a special recreation area for young people to relax and socialise.
Our Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service is unique in the UK. It is built around the needs of young people, offering care in a friendly and supportive environment. Patients stay in wards with others their own age and have access to:
- A gym
- Craft and art areas
- Computers and games
- A dedicated activity coordinator
All rooms have Wi-Fi and game consoles, so patients can stay connected with family and friends, even if they are far from home.
We understand that coming to the UK for cancer treatment can be difficult for both patients and families. That’s why we offer extra support, especially for families from the Middle East.
Our advocates help with:
- Translating medical information
- Booking appointments and treatments
- Explaining the diagnosis and treatment options
- Giving advice about travel and life in London
Our clinical team is available 24 hours a day to answer any questions about tests or treatments. A parent or carer can stay with their child at any time, offering comfort and support throughout their stay.
A parent or carer will also be able to stay with their loved one whenever they need them.
To enquire about our private healthcare services, including referrals and prices, please email us at uclh.ipo@nhs.net, phone us on 020 3448 4260, or use the chat function at the bottom of the screen.
