Acute Oncology Service

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Why have I been referred to the Acute Oncology Service?

You may have been referred to the Acute Oncology service, for a number of reasons;

• Complications from your cancer treatment. e.g. Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy
• Complications from an existing cancer
• A suspected cancer diagnosis. (Which may later be found not to be a cancer, but needs further investigations to be certain)
• A newly diagnosed cancer of unknown primary (CUP), where the main site of the cancer is unknown

What is the role of the Acute Oncology Team?

The role of the team is to provide support for you and expert advice to the team caring for you, on a wide range of cancer related issues, to ensure you have the right tests, treatment, emotional support, information and advice whilst you are in hospital and to ensure you have appropriate follow up once discharged.

If you are already being treated for cancer, we can facilitate liaison between your medical team and your oncology team to ensure good communication.

We can help access relevant clinical information which may be essential in planning your care while in Hospital.

If you are being investigated for cancer during this admission we can help ensure that the most appropriate tests are being performed and that treatment is being planned/carried out. We can provide support and information during this time and make a referral to the appropriate cancer specific team and specialist nurses.

What is the role of the cancer nurse specialist?

The Cancer Nurse Specialist (Key worker) is here to offer you and your family support and information, to assist you in coping with your diagnosis, and to ensure that you have enough information to make informed decisions about future investigations, treatment and care. Your specialist nurse can also help you with social, emotional, physical and financial issues.

Who is my key worker?

Your Key Worker is the health care professional who, with your agreement, takes a key role in co-ordinating your care and promoting continuity. This will be the Acute Oncology Specialist Nurse until a diagnosis is made and you are referred to the appropriate team. Should you have a cancer of unknown primary, (CUP) the Acute Oncology Nurse Specialist will continue to be your Key Worker.

The Acute Oncology Team

• Oncology Consultant
• Speciality Doctor
• Advanced Clinical Practitioner
• Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Team Coordinator / Patient Support worker

Please be advised you will receive a copy of your clinic letter unless you advise us that you do not want to receive one. Patients are advised they are welcome to record their clinic consultation if they so wish.

Who can I contact for further information and advice?

Please note that we are not always available at the end of the phone. You should leave a message and contact telephone number and we will get back to you usually on the same day.

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals provide support and information services including counselling and palliative care. The Macmillan Horizon Centre will be open for patient use in 2016, please ask your key worker for further details.

There are local and national organisations and centres which offer information, support and supportive therapies which you may find helpful. Some are listed below: