Structure of the Swabian Children's Cancer Centre
The diagnosis of the illness is usually followed by a treatment period lasting several months, which is divided into inpatient and outpatient phases. During this time, the children and adolescents are cared for both in the oncology therapy ward of the paediatric clinic and in the oncology day clinic.
The Station
The Swabian Children’s Cancer Centre includes a ward with 22 beds in single and double rooms, a day clinic, and an outpatient unit spread over two floors in a separate building. Special patient rooms meet the strict hygiene requirements for stem cell transplants and are equipped with appropriate ventilation systems. The rooms have been designed with thoughtful interior architecture to create a warm and pleasant atmosphere, far removed from the typical hospital feel.
The rooms are spacious. During inpatient stays, all parents have the option to stay with their child in the patient room. There are also rooms reserved on the ward for our Early Clinical Trial Unit (ECTU).
In addition to the patient rooms, the ward features large, bright common areas that are arranged around our "marketplace." These include playrooms, a creative room, a youth area, a parent kitchen, and a comfortable space for parents to relax. The "marketplace" provides space for sports activities such as table tennis or foosball and is also where we celebrate our events and parties, often including the siblings. A welcoming atmosphere on the ward includes theatre, music, and craft days. We love to celebrate spontaneously but also mark special occasions throughout the year. Our team strives to make the hospital stay as close to everyday life as possible.
Mildred Scheel House
Mildred Scheel House
For families, we offer overnight accommodation at the Parents' House located on the hospital grounds, which is run by the Parents’ Initiative for Children with Cancer Augsburg – LICHTBLICKE e.V.
Day Clinic
To allow children and adolescents as much time at home as possible during the treatment phase, we carry out chemotherapy on an outpatient basis and other medical procedures, replace blood cells, or administer intravenous antibiotics, where possible. Outpatient care is provided in our day clinic located on the ground floor of the building. It is equipped with treatment and examination rooms, as well as patient rooms (six beds) and a spacious play and waiting area. Parking spaces directly in front of the building make visits easier.
Integration of the Day Clinic and Ward
The personnel and organisational integration of both areas ensures seamless care with no loss of information and short distances. The services provided by the psychosocial team for the ward can also be accessed from the day clinic. We design the processes to be patient- and family-centred, with the goal of balancing objective necessities and subjective wishes.
Outpatient Clinic
In our haematology-oncology outpatient clinic, we treat children and adolescents with non-malignant blood disorders (anaemia, white blood cell/platelet deficiency) as well as patients who are undergoing tests to determine whether they have a malignant disease. In addition, we care for patients who are still undergoing active oncological treatment (in particular, long-term therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or solid tumours). We also provide oncological aftercare following malignant disease.
These patients are usually cared for until young adulthood. The focus is on identifying possible long-term effects of the former cancer or its treatment. Another component of medical aftercare is the close integration with the aftercare services offered by the psychosocial service. The range of services is comprehensive and offers long-term aftercare, social-legal and (neuro-)psychological support for the entire family.
After completion of paediatric oncological care, there is also close networking with colleagues from adult oncology to ensure continuous aftercare beyond adolescence within the framework of the so-called AYA (Adolescents and Young Adults) consultation hours.
Overview of all consultation hours:
Benign haematology consultation
Coagulation disorders consultation
Neurofibromatosis consultation
Tumour predisposition syndrome consultation
Bridge Team
A bridge team is available for children and adolescents whose tumours we cannot cure and for whom symptom relief is a priority. The needs of these patients and their families are given special attention. Together with the staff of the Bunte Kreis charity, we support them for as long as possible on an outpatient basis so that they can be treated at home.