Social work support

Vicky Middleton is Kingston Hospital's specialised social worker. She works with the Palliative Care Team and Cancer Services.

What support is available

Vicky can support patients and their families. She offers a full assessment of your practical and wellbeing needs. You can also discuss any concerns you have about your illness, treatment, and the impact this all has on your life. This can include difficulties with your finances, work, relationships and physical abilities.

Who the support is for

Vicky can support any patient known to the hospital's Palliative Care Team or cancer nurse specialists. She is also available to the patient's family or carers.

What the support includes

Our social work support can include:

  • information about what financial and practical help is available, including housing and employment concerns 
  • information and advice about local statutory and voluntary services, and referrals to them where appropriate
  • emotional support during hospital treatment or inpatient stay, as well as speaking up for you about your needs and wishes
  • referrals or liaison with other agencies
  • applying for money from charities, or help finding financial support.

Contact the social worker

The Palliative Care and Cancer social worker, Vicky Middleton, is available on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and alternate Tuesdays, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

If you or your family wish to speak to her, call:

Vicky is often away from her desk. An answerphone is used during working hours. Leave a message and she will return your call as soon as possible. You can also email Vicky at vicky.middleton5@nhs.net .

If you need urgent help, contact your specialist nurse.

Other support services

Kingston hospital

Kingston Hospital provides the following services for cancer patients and their carers:

  • Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre
    Ground Floor
    Sir William Rous Unit
    Kingston Hospital
    020 8973 5001
  • Cancer Counsellor
    020 8934 2114
    Mondays to Friday 
    9am to 5pm 

Further support

Connect Kingston provides a full directory of all local services, including:

The Government website has information on:

The main cancer charities also give advice and support: