Preparing physically for surgery
Although our trust is based in Cambridge we see many patients from our neighbouring counties. In order to find services to help prepare you for surgery locally, we have complied a list of available resources across the east of England - Here you will find further support available in the location you live.
Strength For Life was founded in 2018 with one simple goal in mind, to improve public health through the use of evidence based strength training. This link (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) has examples of exercises which may help you prepare for surgery.
Cambridge and Peterborough – Waiting Well Service
The Waiting Well service (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) is here to provide you with relevant information, opportunities, and access to a broad range of services in your local area that will optimise the time you are waiting for your treatment. Whilst not all of the information on this website will be relevant to you, there are many sections that will be applicable and helpful!
Some people are waiting longer than we’d like, and while we are prioritising those with the most urgent clinical need and working as safely and quickly as possible to see and treat as many patients as we can, we understand that waiting can be a very challenging time.
Our aim is to make good use of the time you are waiting, to ensure you attend your next appointment in the best possible physical and mental health.
Psychological well-being
Waiting for treatment can be extremely challenging psychologically and we all need support at times. If you or a family member needs psychological wellbeing support, patients can self-refer to the Psychological Wellbeing Service run by CPFT (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab);
- Tel: 0300 300 0055 9am-4pm
- Email the self-referral address.
Cancer support
The CUH Cancer Support Service are here to support anybody affected by cancer.
A diagnosis of cancer can affect many parts of your life and it can be confusing to know where to find the right information.
The team are here to support you and your family with emotional, financial, and practical information and support.
You may be allocated a Cancer Navigator who will be in touch to offer support.
Alternatively, you or your family can pop into the Information Pod in Oncology Outpatients.
The team also satellite monthly to the ATC atrium and Concourse.
Find out more about how CUH Cancer Support Service can help you.
Nutrition support
Needing help to gradually reduce weight:
- Food Fact Sheet: How to achieve a healthier weight (The Association of UK Dieticians) (opens in a new tab)
- Take control of your weight with the British Heart Foundation (opens in a new tab)
Needing help to prevent further weight loss/regain weight:
Websites to support increasing your activity levels at home & in the community:
- Active at home - Healthy You (opens in a new tab)
- Links to walking sports, mental wellbeing and running as well
- Exercise - NHS (www.nhs.uk) (opens in a new tab)
- Includes guidelines for exercising for 19-64, and older adults, and fitness advice to wheelchair users
- Strength and flexibility exercises
- Running and aerobic exercises
- Pilates and yoga exercises
- Get Moving Cambridge (thinkific.com) (opens in a new tab)
- on demand courses (12 to chose from)
- Get Moving Cambridge YouTube videos (opens in a new tab)