H O.05 UNITED TO BEAT CANCER: PHYSIOTHERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROVISION ON THE YOUNG ONCOLOGY UNIT AT THE CHRISTIE FUNDED BY A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP WITH MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

Abstract

In 2008 The Christie was chosen by Manchester United Football Club to form a unique partnership. This funded a specialist Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist to work exclusively on the Young Oncology Unit, creating the first posts of their kind in the UK. The YOU treats patients between 16–24 years old with a diagnosis of cancer, sarcoma being one of the most common in this age group. All patients attending the YOU now receive a fully comprehensive Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy service to address their rehabilitation needs.

The NICE guidelines (2005) indicate that cancer care for young adults needs to be age specific, age appropriate and undertaken by appropriately trained staff; hence the importance of having specialist therapists on the YOU.

The needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer, both physically and psychologically, are more critical than at any other time in life. During their treatment patients will experience stressful events, such as alopecia, weight loss or gain, altered physical appearance, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, absence from education, and reduced contact with peers. The Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy roles are essential in enabling young adults to adapt to their diagnosis and learn coping strategies to deal with the stressful events they encounter through their cancer experience.

During this presentation we will describe the unique role of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy with teenagers and young adults, using case studies to illustrate the benefits of having dedicated YOU therapists. We will also share with you the innovative ways in which the Manchester United training facilities have been used for different initiatives that have greatly benefitted and motivated our patients and their families. The partnership between two local organisations, one of the biggest football clubs in the world and a world class Cancer Centre has been a unique and positive liaison.