Good to know: The Princess Máxima Center works closely with the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital (WKZ), part of the UMC Utrecht. When children undergo surgery or need care in intensive care, they temporarily cross the rainbow bridge to the WKZ. The experts on the treatment team come from both hospitals.
Pediatric oncologist
The pediatric oncologist is a pediatrician who specializes in your child's type of cancer. The pediatric oncologist is usually your treating physician and heads the treatment team.
Pediatric neurologist
The pediatric neurologist specializes in tumors of the brain and the spinal cord. In most cases, if your child has a brain tumor, the neurologist is your treating physician and heads the treatment team.
Pediatric endocrinologist
The pediatric endocrinologist knows all there is to know about hormones. For certain types of brain tumors, the endocrinologist is your treating physician and heads the treatment team.
Clinical nurse specialist
The clinical nurse specialist specializes in the medical treatment of children with cancer. The clinical nurse specialist guides you throughout the treatment, gives advice, offers practical support and is your case manager.
(Pediatric oncology) nurse
The (pediatric oncology) nurses take care of your child and support you in the day surgery and during admissions. Among other things, they are responsible for the checkups and for administering medicines. They also call in extra help if necessary.
Medical pedagogical care provider
Our medical pedagogical care providers help you to support your child. They explain examinations, operations and treatments. If you wish, they can prepare and support your child. You can ask them how you can make your child's stay in the hospital as comfortable and easy as possible. They can advise you on how to deal with brothers, sisters, people in your surroundings, etc.
Social worker
Our social workers can help you adjust to life after diagnosis or treatment. They also help with practical and emotional problems, such as finances, work and relationships.
(Neuro)psychologist
Cancer has a huge impact on the quality of life of child and family. Most families manage to adapt to the new situation, but some families find it difficult to adjust. Our psychologists can help with psychological complaints as well as behavioral problems and problems with learning. All children with a brain tumor are automatically referred to the neuropsychologist. If necessary, the psychologist will ensure a smooth and safe referral to a psychologist close to home.
Lab technician
The laboratory technician draws blood and examines it in the laboratory.
Pathologist
The pathologist examines bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid, biopsies and tumors to check whether they contain cancer cells and whether the cut edges of the tumor are clean.
Radiodiagnostic lab technician
The medical imaging technologists make X-rays, perform ultrasounds and scans. They explain these procedures in advance. They take up position behind a screen while making X-rays and performing scans, but are always able to hear and speak with you.
Radiologist
The radiologist assesses X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI scans and PET scans. These examinations take place around the time of diagnosis, but also during treatment to see how the cancer is responding to the treatment.
Anesthesiologist
The anesthesiologist is responsible for anesthesia and sedation during operations, examinations and interventions. In a meeting prior to the procedure, the anesthesiologist explains the procedure and lets you know how long your child must fast prior to the anesthesia being administered.
Pediatric surgeon
The pediatric surgeon performs the operations. The pediatric surgeon places a portacath or line, takes biopsies and removes tumors. In a meeting in advance of the surgery, the pediatric surgeon explains the procedure and what to expect. After the operation, the pediatric surgeon always comes by to see how your child is doing.
Neurosurgeon
The neurosurgeon operates on children with brain tumors. The neurosurgeon places a drain, if necessary, and removes the tumor. In a meeting prior to the operation, the neurosurgeon explains the procedure and what to expect. After the operation, the neurosurgeon always comes by to see how your child is doing.
Orthopedic surgeon
The orthopedic surgeon is responsible for removing bone tumors. In a meeting prior to the operation, the orthopedic surgeon explains the procedure and what to expect. After the operation, the orthopedic surgeon always comes by to see how your child is doing.
Radiation therapist
The radiation therapist determines the dose of the radiation and calculates how your child will be given radiation treatment. In a meeting prior to radiation, the radiation therapist explains the procedure.
Radiation therapy technician
The radiation therapy technicians assist the radiotherapist. They guide your child and explain the procedure.
Pharmacist
These are the medicine experts. Pharmacists can provide more information about the prescribed medicines, the possible side effects of those medicines and medication management.
Pharmacist's assistant
The pharmacist's assistants make sure your medicines are ready for when you go home. They can also explain how to take them.
(Pediatric) physiotherapist
The (pediatric) physiotherapists know all there is to know about exercise and fitness. They encourage your child to keep exercising despite their treatment, and help your child to get into shape and to convalesce. They also ensure your child is referred properly and safely to the (pediatric) physiotherapist in your town.
Rehabilitation specialist
The rehabilitation doctors are involved in the rehabilitation of children with a brain tumor and children with a bone tumor. They also ensure a smooth transfer to a rehabilitation center near you.
Educational Facility counselor (school)
In the event of regular or long-term admissions to the Máxima Center, the counselors of the Educational Facility will help your child to keep up with school. They draw up a curriculum in consultation with you and your child's school, taking into account what your child can handle in the circumstances. The counselors can also teach your child and they ensure the school is kept informed of your child's educational progress.
Dietitian
The dietitians know all there is to know about nutrition and can help you get your child to eat as healthy as possible. They also help if your child needs tube feeding or drip feeding.
Comfort team
The comfort team, together with you and the treatment team, focuses on your child's quality of life, i.e., the prevention and reduction of pain and other complaints. The comfort team also supports the treatment team in reducing the emotional burden on your child and your family.