Laurel House is an outpatient and day treatment service for haematology and oncology patients requiring treatment. There is a multi-disciplinary team including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and support staff on site
This video can help you understand what to expect when visiting Laurel House Chemotherapy Unit.
Your appointment
You may wish to wear comfortable clothing when you come for your appointments and you may like to bring something along with you to pass the time, such as a book to read.
Some people like to have company when they come to their appointments. Please check with the staff at Laurel House if you are allowed someone to attend with you. Please do not bring children to the unit as it can be distressing for other patients and distracting for staff.
There is tea, coffee and vending machines in the waiting area. There is also a shop and a restaurant in the main building of Antrim Area Hospital.
Smoking is not allowed in hospital buildings. If you would like help to stop smoking, please contact the Northern Trust Smoking Cessation Service on 028 2563 5575 or 0758 4023 675.
You can also call the Smokers Helpline on 0808 812 8008
Please also contact us if you need help for any of the following:
- Mobility or physical disability
- Learning disability
- Interpreting needs
Lastly, it is very important you tell the receptionist or your GP if you change your address.
Support during chemotherapy
The team at Laurel House consists of staff with specialist training from several disciplines within the hospital.
The team works with your consultant to achieve the best quality of life possible for you, your family and friends during your treatment.
Others who can support you during chemotherapy treatment could be:
- Support groups: Attending a support group can help put you in touch with other people having similar treatment. Talking with other people can be a good way of discussing your feelings, and you can pick up some useful coping tips. Our Northern Trust Macmillan Information and Support Service can give you details of your local support groups.
- Family and friends: Family and friends often want to help you; however, they may find it difficult to understand exactly what you are going through. Just at a time when you feel your friends and family should be helping, they may stand back and wait for you to make the first move. This is often because they are worried that they may say the wrong thing, or they think you may want to cope alone. They may also be feeling emotional themselves, therefore, good communication is important.
Try to be open and honest about how your treatment is going and how you feel about it. Misunderstandings can then be avoided and family and friends are given the chance to show their love and support.
Transport and parking at Laurel House
Laurel House is located at the back of the main building at Antrim Area Hospital. Once you come off the roundabout, take the first right and follow signs for Laurel House.
View our access guide for Laurel House.
There is a bus stop at the front of the hospital. For bus service information, contact Translink on 028 9066 6630.
We recommend that you do not drive home following your chemotherapy treatment. However, if you arrange for someone else to drive you, car parking is available at the unit entrance. Access is via an automatic barrier; you will be given an access code on your appointment letter. This code will enable you to open the barrier. Access can also be gained by pressing the Laurel House button at the barrier and speaking to our receptionist.
The car park is often busy so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get parked.
If you find it difficult to arrange transport to appointments, please contact the Northern Trust Macmillan Information and Support Service.
Northern Trust Macmillan Information and Support Service
- Telephone: 077 9584 5435
- Email: cancerinformation@northerntrust.hscni.net
There is a range of local community transport services which could potentially help get you to and from your appointments.