Check-in

When you arrive at the Day and Outpatient Unit for Hematology and Oncology, check in by entering your ID number at the check-in station in front of the waiting area on 11C.

• The screen will show you where to go next.

• A wristband will be printed for you — take it with you. The barcode on the wristband is used when recording vital signs and administering medication.

• Reception staff on 11C book appointments, answer questions, and coordinate matters as needed. Payment for consultations and treatment is made using the connected payment terminal.

Where should I go?

• Medication treatment only: Go to 11B, notify the receptionist, and then take a seat in the waiting area at the end of the hallway.

• Doctor’s appointment: Go to the waiting area on 11C.

• Both a doctor’s appointment and medication treatment: Arrive 20 minutes before your appointment for measurements with a healthcare assistant (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, etc.).

Doctor’s appointment

A consultation with a doctor usually takes about 20 minutes. The first appointment is longer. It can be helpful to bring a family member or support person, but please contact the unit if more than 1–2 people plan to accompany you.

Please notify the unit in advance if you cannot attend.

Reception

When you arrive at 11B, always check in with the receptionist, who will register your arrival.

Facilities

• The unit has 20 treatment spaces, including both chairs and beds.

• A lounge and coffee area are located at the end of the hallway.

• Pillows and blankets are available to make your stay more comfortable.

• Please respect the privacy of other patients.

Food and drink

• A water dispenser, coffee machine, and juice are available on the unit.

• You may store snacks in the refrigerator in the 11B lounge.

• If your treatment lasts several hours, it’s good to bring something to eat, but avoid strongly scented foods.

Entertainment and visitors

• You may bring reading material, crafts, or a laptop.

• The hospital guest Wi-Fi is available.

• Mobile phones may be used, but set your phone to silent and be considerate of others when making calls.

There are many types of chemotherapy drugs that work in different ways. Because of this, it may be necessary to give more than one drug at the same time, depending on the nature of the disease and the treatment plan. The most common method is to give the medication intravenously, but it can also be given as tablets, injected into a muscle, under the skin, or into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. In some cases, more than one method is used.

How often and how long the drugs are given is individualized. The interval between treatments also varies. Each treatment session may last a few minutes, several hours, or even several days. It is common for treatments to be given every 3–4 weeks. Treatment is usually provided on unit 11B, but sometimes hospitalization on an inpatient ward is required.

You will receive more detailed information about your treatment, possible side effects, and available support options from your doctor and nurse.

Contact us immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Increasing fever

• Persistent nausea or vomiting

• Unusual weakness or fatigue

• Cough or sputum production

• Soreness in the mouth or throat, or pain when urinating

• Bruising, skin bleeding, nosebleeds, or blood in urine/stool

• Diarrhoea

• Significant swelling of the hands, feet, or other parts of the body

• Sudden pain

By phone: 543 6130 (11B)

• On Monday, Tuesday and Friday between 8:00–16:00

• On Wednesday and Thursday between 8:00–18:00

Outside regular hours, by phone: 543 2000 (Emergency Department, Fossvogur)

Assessment of distress

Routine screening of wellbeing and symptoms is carried out on the ward. You will be asked to complete an assessment form where you rate your distress on a scale from 0–10 and indicate possible causes. Regular screening helps identify distress, its severity, and potential underlying reasons so that appropriate support can be provided.

Supportive care

Supportive care is provided in connection with illness and treatment-related side effects. It may include medication (e.g., immune-stimulating agents and bone-strengthening drugs), fluid therapy, blood product transfusions, and symptom management.

Relaxation

Individual relaxation therapy and mindfulness training are offered to patients with cancer and their families at Landspítali. The sessions take place at Skógarhlíð 5 in a comfortable chair and last one hour. Research has shown that this therapy can improve quality of life and has generally positive effects on both physical and mental health. It may also reduce the frequency and severity of side effects.

Appointments and further information are available from the secretary on ward 11C or by calling 543 6130.