The diagnosis and treatment of cancer can have a big impact on the wellbeing and quality of life of patients, their families and carers. Our Head and Neck Cancer Psychology Service aims to support patients, their families and carers to cope and adjust to the emotional and psychological impact of head and neck cancer.
The service is available Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5pm.
Our service
We offer a range of different psychological therapies which are tailored to meet each individual’s needs.
A psychologist may be able to help with the following:
- Coping with adjusting, change and loss
- Anxiety and worrying about the cancer returning
- Coping with the impact of cancer can have on relationships
- Feelings of depression, anxiety, anger and trauma
- Coping with pain, fatigue and other treatment side effects
- Difficulties in undertaking the treatment
- Difficulties with sleep
This list is not exhaustive; these are simply an example of the kinds of difficulties we often help people with.
All appointments take place at Sunderland Royal Hospital. Appointments usually last 50 – 60 minutes, but can be shorter depending on your needs.
Our team
Dr Sonia Wilson - Principal Clinical Psychologist
Dr Emma Lawson - Clinical Psychologist
Finding us
We are based at Sunderland Royal Hospital on the 4th Floor of Chester Lodge.
Chester Lodge is most easily accessed by the Chester Road entrance and is located opposite Outpatients Entrance 5, across the car park.
Getting referred
Referrals to the service can be made by any healthcare professional working in the Head & Neck Cancer Service at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
We accept referrals for patients, as well as family members/carers.
If you have any queries, please speak to a member of the Head & Neck Cancer team during your next visit, or contact the Psychology department on 0191 5410058.
Contact us
Clinical Health Psychology Services
Chester Lodge
Sunderland Royal Hospital
SR4 7TP
Direct Line: 0191 5410058
Main hospital number: 0191 5656256 extension 40058
