The malignant bone disease service (bone cancer) at University Hospitals of North Midlands cares for patients with sarcoma, secondary bone cancer and metastatic spinal cord compression. Members of the team include orthopaedic and spinal surgeons, radiologists, oncologists and nurse specialists and care is discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting.

Sarcoma

Patients will be referred on a two-week pathway from sarcoma from their GP. An initial assessment of patients who may have a Sarcoma - cancer that starts in the bone or soft tissue (muscle, fat, blood vessels) of the limbs and body wall is undertaken. If following this assessment appointment the team feel that there is a strong possibility that the patient has a sarcoma they will make an urgent referral to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham to confirm diagnosis and plan any treatment if needed. No treatment is undertaken prior to this referral. These initial assessment clinics are held within the orthopaedic outpatient/fracture clinic department situated on the ground floor of the main building of the hospital.

Following surgery at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be undertaken at the UHNS under a shared care agreement with the team in Birmingham.

Secondary bone cancer

Patients who have secondary bone cancer - cancer cells that have spread from another primary cancer i.e. breast or lung - may have surgery at UHNM but may also be referred to a specialist hospital unit in Birmingham dependent upon the surgery needed.

University Hospitals of North Midlands is a tertiary centre for spinal surgery which means that we provide specialised care, usually following referral from primary or other secondary care centres. We provide treatment for spinal tumours including those causing compression to the spinal nerves working in partnership with our oncology colleagues.

Orthopaedic surgeons

Mr I DosRemedios  Trauma orthopaedic surgeon/Sarcoma lead
Mr M Hamadto – Orthopaedic surgeon
Mr S Konduru – Cancer lead/specialist spinal surgeon
On call spinal surgeon

Oncologists

Dr N Sharma Chemotherapy Sarcoma
Dr C Connolly Radiotherapy Sarcoma
We work with all oncologists within the Trust when a patient requires treatment for secondary bone cancer.

Clinical Nurse Specialists

The Macmillan clinical nurse specialist for malignant bone disease is Stephanie Peake. Stephanie is supported by a Macmillan support nurse for malignant bone disease. Both roles are to provide support to each patient as they progress through their care pathway, acting as key workers for the patient and their family.  Both clinical nurse specialists are dedicated to providing you with a personal service, to be your named key worker and to support you through each step of your journey. They are also there to provide you with relevant written information on your condition, to explain your treatment and to answer any questions you may have.

Both CNSs work in partnership with ward staff and other clinical teams to ensure referrals to services both hospital and in the community are made. They can discuss clinical information or supply patient information leaflets and booklets.

The CNS team work from 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday 01782 675278 (an answer machine service is also available).

Further information and support

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre will:

• Listen to how cancer is affecting your life
• Provide a wide range of free booklets and other written information
• Put you in touch with other sources of support such as local counselling services, benefits advisers and support groups

The centre is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

The address is:

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre
University Hospital of North Midlands
Ground Floor, Main Building, Newcastle Road
Stoke on Trent, ST4 6QG
Call us on 01782 676333 or
e-mail us at macmillancentre@uhns.nhs.uk

Please note, we are unrelated to the local Douglas Macmillan Hospice, despite the word Macmillan in both our names.

If you are making a special journey, please ring to make an appointment so you are not kept waiting

The Dove Service (support and counselling) is a local service provided at The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley - Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.Tel:  01782 683153

Macmillan Welfare Benefits Service at Disability Solutions
North Staffs Medical Institute
Hartshill Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 7NY
Telephone: 01782 667321

Macmillan Cancer Support & Information Service

Sarcoma UK

https://sarcoma.org.uk   Helpline 02072508271

Bowel cancer affects around 42,000 people in the UK every year and is the second most common cause of cancer deaths and the fourth biggest cancer in the UK. For every 100 people getting their FIT kit results 98 will have a normal result and two will have an abnormal result. The symptoms of bowel cancer are often attributed to other causes, for example piles, medication and polyps.

It is often not diagnosed until significantly advanced because many people do not like to approach their GP about the issue, or do not realise the significance of the symptoms. The symptoms of bowel cancer differ from person to person and not everyone with the disease shows symptoms.  

Symptoms

• Blood in the poo
• Going to the toilet more often
• A change in your normal bowel habit
• Lost weight and you don't know why
• Lump in the tummy

Patients with a positive result will be invited to see a specialist nurse and may be referred for a colonoscopy, an examination of the lining of the large bowel (colon) using a tiny camera on the end of a flexible tube.

For every 100 people having a colonoscopy after an abnormal FIT test:

• 13 will have a normal test

• 25 will have minor findings needing no additional treatment

• 53 will have adenomas that need to be removed

• 9 will have cancer

Clinics

Nurse-led clinics are run at Royal Stoke Hospital and County Hospital and full details and clinic times are sent to patients with their invitation. Colonoscopy investigations take place in the endoscopy unit at Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital.  

Our team

• Dr Sandip Sen, Consultant Gastroenterologist; BCS Clinical Director, Accredited Screening Colonoscopist
• Dr Srisha Hebbar, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Accredited Screening Colonoscopist
• Dr Alison Brind, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Accredited Screening Colonoscopist
• Dr Sarveson Rajkumar, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Accredited Screening Colonoscopist
• Dr Arun Kurup, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Accredited Screening Colonoscopist
• Dr Cordelia Howitt, Lead Pathologist
• Dr Ingrid Britton, Lead Radiologist
• Carol Beeston, Lead Specialist Screening Nurse
• Gloria Garlick, Screening Nurse
• Adrian Black, Screening Nurse
• Deborah Maccioni, Screening Nurse
• Rachel Owen, Screening Nurse
• Edna Beaty, Screening Nurse
• Amanda Baggaley, Screening Nurse
• Gregory Seadon, Screening Nurse
• Carol Wheatley, Screening Nurse
• Ana Chapa, Bowel Scope Discharge CSW
• Angela Power, Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Manager
• Julie Holland, Snr Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Administrator
• Karen Davies, Lead Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Administrator
• Louise Booth, Bowel Scope Coordinator
• Kathleen Pointon, Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Administrator
• Diane Jones, Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Administrator

Contact us

• Bowel cancer screening centre office: 01782 676643 (answer machine) or 01782 676642 (screening nurses) or lead nurse: 01782 676641
• Email: bcsp@uhnm.nhs.uk
• Screening Hub Free telephone helpline: 0800 707 60 60

The Bowel Cancer Screening Centre is open Monday to Friday between 8.00am and 4.30pm.

For further information regarding the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme please visit www.bowelcanceruk.org

Support and further information

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre will:

• Listen to how cancer is affecting your life
• Provide a wide range of free booklets and other written information
• Put you in touch with other sources of support such as local counselling services, benefits advisers and support groups

e-mail macmillancentre@uhnm.nhs.uk

Please note, we are unrelated to the local Douglas Macmillan Hospice, despite the word Macmillan in both our names. If you are making a special journey, please ring to make an appointment so you are not kept waiting.

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Click here

Our brain and central nervous system cancer service provides surgery, oncology (chemotherapy/radiotherapy) and palliative treatments for people with brain and spinal cord cancers. The team also provide surgical treatment for patients from Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust and Leighton Hospital in Crewe.

University Hospitals employs a multidisciplinary team who will treat and care for you throughout your journey. The team consists of neurosurgeons, neurologists, oncologists, cancer nurse specialists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Having the input of staff from a variety of clinical backgrounds helps give a rounded, complete view of each patient's case, and therefore results in better care.

We understand the complex emotions and pressures that come with a cancer diagnoses and the subsequent treatment. We therefore take every measure possible to ensure you are made comfortable during your treatment, including quiet rooms to enable you to speak in peace, away from the business of the wards.

At your diagnosis you will have the opportunity to concentrate properly on what is being said to you and discuss sensitive matters in private with your clinician and specialist nurse. A consultant will sit with you and explain your diagnosis, along with possible treatment options. They will be accompanied by a cancer nurse specialist, who is there to support you and talk to you about your feelings.

Your treatment pathway

Before any treatment is given you will meet with the neurosurgeon treating you and usually with a specialist nurse and a relative or friend for your support.  They will then discuss your condition and treatment plan with you. This may involve an operation to remove or biopsy the tumour. Sometimes certain tumours are best managed without surgery if that is considered more appropriate.

After the specimen report has been received from the laboratory, they will meet with you again and discuss the results with you in more detail, with the further treatment plan. Some tumour types will not need further treatment, but others will need radiotherapy, chemotherapy or both. You will need to be referred to an oncologist if further treatment is necessary. 

Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT)

Neurosurgeons

Mr H Brydon (Clinical Lead for brain tumours)

Ms E Albanese (brain tumours)

Mr R Price (spinal and brain tumours)

Mr N Tzerakis and Mr R Price (spinal tumours)

Mr Shaw (skull base tumours)

Neurologists: Dr J Partridge and Dr M Mockova

Oncologists: Dr S Joseph

Cancer Nurse Specialist: Catharine James and Support Tumour Nurse Louise Montgomery

As well as Neuro-psychologists, Radiologist, physios and OTs

Our Clinical Nurse Specialists

The role is to provide support to each patient as they progress through their care pathway. They will walk you through each step of your journey and are dedicated to providing you with a personal service, to be your named Key Worker.

You may be offered a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA). Many patients find having an assessment helpful as it can help to identify what help is available. A HNA will be offered at certain times during your care, this may include:Around time of diagnosis or start of your treatment, The end of your treatment - when your surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy has been completed, Any time that you ask for one

You can contact your Clinical Nurse Specialist if you have any issues you wish to discuss.​

Your specialist nurses are also there to provide you with Patient Information Leaflets: These are available for you to take, and contain information on your type of cancer, the treatments available, and advice on benefits and support groups/useful contacts. To answer any questions you may have. The specialist nurses work in partnership with ward staff to ensure that, where appropriate, referrals to other services, such as local community cancer and palliative care teams, are made.

 As your key worker they can provide the following: Up to date clinical information, for example through discussion, or through distribution of Patient Information Prescription, which is individual to your needs. You can also discuss a variety of issues (depending on their relevancy to you) including:

•Practical advice and answers to your questions

•Emotional support

•Referral to other services, such as to Support groups

•Advice on how to obtain a wig

•Surgery

•Radiotherapy and chemotherapy

•Benefits/financial entitlement

•Other support services including social services, home and hospice care

•Emotional and psychological support and counselling

•Symptom management

•Fatigue management

•Employment

•Driving and holiday travel

•Help with adaptations for the home/environmental aids

•Medications

•Local and national support groups

•Contact point for other member so the team

The Clinical nurses specialist work from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Monday to Friday and are available to speak to either by phone or in person. An answer machine service is available for when they are not in the office. If you leave a message they will return your call as soon as possible (this may not be the same day).

Contact details: Catharine James and Louise Montgomery: 01782 675272

Neurosurgical Ward 228: 01782676228

Further information and support

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre will: Listen to how cancer is affecting your life. Provide a wide range of free booklets and other written information. Put you in touch with other sources of support such as local counselling services, benefits advisers and support groups. The centre is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm

The address is: The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre, University Hospitals of North Midlands, Ground Floor, Main Building, Newcastle Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 6QG. Call us on 01782 676333 or e-mail us at macmillancentre@uhns.nhs.uk

Please note, the information centre is unrelated to the local Douglas Macmillan Hospice, despite the word Macmillan in both our names.

If you are making a special journey, please ring to make an appointment so you are not kept waiting

Other Information and support group information

Brain Tumour Support has joined with the University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust to establish a support group in Staffordshire.

The groups are open to anyone who has been affected by a brain tumour, whether you are a patient, a family member, a friend or a carer. 

Meetings are held at The Carer's Centre, North Staffs Carer's Association, 1 Duke Street, Fenton, Stoke on Trent  ST4 3NR. The meeting is normally on the third Thursday of the month, at 1.30pm – 3.30pm and are held bi-monthly at the Hamar Centre Therapy Room, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, North Mytton Oak Road, Shrewsbury SY3 8XQ and are normally on the second Monday of the month, at 11.00am – 12.30pm.

For more details of the group and other support available please contact Christine Bettson, Brain Tumour Support Worker for Staffordshire and Shropshire

Mobile: 07711 597169. Email: christine@braintumoursupport.co.uk.  Support Services Line: 01454 422701​

At UHNM, we understand the complex emotions and pressures that come with a cancer diagnosis and the subsequent treatment, both for the child concerned and the parents or carers. We therefore take every measure possible to ensure that everyone is made as comfortable as possible during the child's treatment.

Our paediatric oncology service provides chemotherapy and supportive treatments for children with cancer.  We are a shared care centre, which means that other specialist centres, such as Birmingham Children's Hospital, Manchester Children's Hospital and Alderhey Hospital  Liverpool  provide specialist advice, but most of the treatment is provided here.

A multidisciplinary team will care for your child throughout their journey. The team consists of paediatric surgeons, paediatricians, oncologists, a clinical psychologist, community staff, physiotherapists, and a clinical nurse specialist. Having the input of staff from a variety of clinical backgrounds helps give a rounded, complete view of each child's case and therefore results in better care.

On the ward

• Patient information leaflets - We provide a wide range of simple, informative and colourful leaflets, some aimed at parents, some aimed directly at children. They give information and advice on many aspects of care, for example mouth hygiene and going 'Back to School' a vast variety of other leaflets are also kept in the day unit
• School teacher - A school teacher is available on the unit to give patients individual attention and help them with their studies. The school teacher can provide home visits if necessary and we liaise with schools to ensure we provide a system that meets everyone's needs
• Play specialists - Our play specialists are trained in various forms of distraction therapy to help children when they are undergoing procedures which may cause them distress, such as injections
• Patient record book  -  This book is given out by the specialist centres but is the patients' own to keep. It allows you to keep a record of visits and results. This should help you to feel more organised and confident about your child's care
• Children's picture books - We supply children's picture books which are designed to tell children about having cancer in a friendly but informative way. There are also some books aimed at parents and grandparents

Clinical team, contacts and clinic information

The clinical team you are most likely to meet:

• Paediatricians: Dr A Kumar, Dr S Thompson and Dr L Roe
• Support nurses:  Claire Butler, Penny Holt and Katie Aspen
• Clinical psychologist: Dr Carole Martin
• Clinical nurse specialist: Julie Eaton

Contacts

• Oncology day unit: Ward 217b, 01782 675147
•  Oncology: Ward 216, 01782 675217

Clinical nurse specialist

The clinical nurse specialist for children's cancer/paediatric oncology is Julie Eaton. Julie's role is to provide constant support to each patient and their family as the care pathway is followed. She will walk you through each step of the journey and is dedicated to providing a personal service. Julie is also there to provide relevant written information on your child's condition, to explain their treatment and answer any questions you may have. She works in partnership with ward staff to ensure that, where appropriate, referrals to other services, such as local community cancer and palliative care teams, are made.

Julie also visits and liaises with schools to ensure that your child's educational and emotional needs are met as closely as possible. She educates teachers on what to expect from a child suffering with cancer, in terms of how they will behave, look, think and feel, and with regards to being watchful and aware of their condition throughout the day, for example, spotting warning signs that they might be feeling tired or ill.

Through Julie, you will be able to access:

Up to date clinical information, for example through discussion, or through distribution of patient information leaflets and booklets

• Practical advice and answers to your questions
• Emotional support
• Referral to other services (if appropriate) such as to community groups
• Advice on how to obtain surgical appliances if necessary

You can also discuss a variety of issues (depending on their relevancy to you) including:

• Surgery
• Radiotherapy and chemotherapy
• Other support services including social services, home and hospice care
• Emotional and psychological support and counselling
• Symptom management
• Fatigue management
• Employment, benefits/financial entitlement, driving and holiday travel
• Help with adaptations for the Home/environmental aids
• Medications

Julie also runs a bereavement support group with Dr Carole Martin and can make home visits if necessary. Julie works four days a week and is available to speak to either by phone or in person on these days. An answer machine service is available for when she is not in; if you leave a message she will return your call as soon as possible. Email: julie.eaton@uhnm.nhs.uk

Clinics

Outpatient clinics are held in the Children's Centre at the Royal Stoke University Hospital on a Tuesday afternoon.

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre - This is a local service provided by the University Hospitals of North Midlands from the Central Outpatients Department.  The centre offers advice, help and support on a clinical, emotional and practical level. Email: macmillancentre@uhns.nhs.uk

Further information and support

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre will:

• Listen to how cancer is affecting your life
• Provide a wide range of free booklets and other written information
• Put you in touch with other sources of support such as local counselling services, benefits advisers and support groups

The centre is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

The address is:

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre
University Hospitals of North Midlands
Ground Floor, Main Building, Newcastle Road
Stoke on Trent, ST4 6QG
Call us on 01782 676333 or
e-mail us at macmillancentre@uhns.nhs.uk

Please note, we are unrelated to the local Douglas Macmillan Hospice, despite the word Macmillan in both our names.

If you are making a special journey, please ring to make an appointment so you are not kept waiting 

Family-run support group

Some of the family members of our patients run a support group, which meets once every month. The date and venue varies but posters in the day unit advertise future dates. It provides an opportunity for people who find themselves in very similar situations to chat, share their feelings and give support and help to each other.

Bereavement group

We run a bereavement group, which meets on every second Tuesday of the month at the Medical Institute on Hartshill Road, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire. The group is run by Julie Eaton, Clinical Nurse Specialist and the clinical psychologist and provides an opportunity for family and friends who have lost someone they love to come together for shared support and counseling. 

Bereavement visits

Losing a child is a very upsetting experience.  Our Clinical Nurse Specialist will make home visits to support you when necessary. 

Benefits advice

Our clinical nurse specialists provide advice on how to apply for disability living allowances and other benefit support. They can also provide information on special holidays/caravan sites available for patients and their families at very low rates. 

Charities

• Dreams Come True, 01730 815 000
• Dial-a Dream, 0208 530 5589
• Starlight Foundation, 0207 262 2881
• Christian Lewis Cancer Care Trust, 01792 480500
• CLIC Sargent, 0117 3112600
• Make a Wish, 01276 24127

Our colorectal cancer service provides investigations and diagnosis for colorectal cancer. We offer a range of cancer treatments including surgery, oncology (chemotherapy/radiotherapy) and palliative treatments for people with colon, rectal and anal cancers.

University Hospitals employs a multidisciplinary team who will treat and care for you throughout your journey. The team consists of colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and cancer nurse specialists. Having the input of staff from a variety of clinical backgrounds helps give a rounded, complete view of each patient's case and therefore results in better care.

Your treatment pathway

We understand the complex emotions and pressures that come with a cancer diagnosis and the subsequent treatment. We therefore take every measure possible to ensure you are made comfortable during your treatment, including quiet rooms to enable you to speak in peace, away from the busy wards.

At your diagnosis you will have the opportunity to concentrate properly on what is being said to you and discuss sensitive matters in private with your clinician and specialist nurse. A consultant will sit with you and explain your diagnosis, along with possible treatment options. They will be accompanied by a colorectal cancer nurse specialist, who is there to support you and talk to you about your feelings. Treatment may involve an operation to remove a part of your bowel where the cancer is situated. 

Sometimes certain cancers are treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone if that is considered more appropriate.  Some other cancers are treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. You will need to be referred to an oncologist if your cancer requires chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Treatment is individualised. Your family is also welcome to come to the consultation if you prefer them to be there.

Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT)

Colorectal Surgeons

•Mr Martin Farmer

•Mr  Robin Dawson

•Mr Achilles Tsiamis

•Mr Neil Yeomans

•Mr Timothy Bullen

•Mr  David Luke

•Mr Phillip Varghese

•Mr Veerabhadram Garimella

  Mrs Anne Gaunt

Oncologists

•Dr Selvaraj Giridharan

•Dr Caroline  Connolly

•Dr  Neelam Sharma

Colorectal Nursing Team

• ANP – Julie Rust

• ANP – Julie Chapman

• ANP – Samantha Zinyemba

• ANP – Kirsty Knox

• ANP - Jane Wilcox

• ANP   - Michelle Amos

Telephone 01782 679843

Clinical Nurse Specialists

• Lead Colorectal  Nurse Specialist Dorothy Munyanyi

• Colorectal Nurse Specialist Lisa Watts

• Colorectal Nurse Specialist Louise Butler

• Colorectal Nurse Specialist Linsey Page

Clinical Nurse Specialist

• Lead Colorectal  Nurse Specialist Dorothy Munyanyi

• Colorectal Nurse Specialist Lisa Watts

• Colorectal Nurse Specialist Louise Butler

• Colorectal Nurse Specialist Linsey Page

• Telephone 01782 672801-Answerphone

Macmillan Colorectal Navigator – Donna Wooldridge

Telephone 01782 672801 – Answer phone

Radiologists, gastroenterologists and pathologists also form part of the MDT.

Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)

The colorectal cancer nurse specialist provides support to each patient as they progress through their pathway. The CNS will take the patient through each step and is dedicated to providing each patient with an individual service. They also work closely with the team of doctors on the wards and in the outpatient clinics at both Royal Stoke and County Hospital.

Your nurse specialist acts as your key worker and will provide written information on specific colorectal conditions, explain treatments and is there to answer any questions you may have. They work in partnership with clinic and ward staff to ensure that referrals to other services, such as local community cancer and palliative care teams, are made in a timely fashion. They will provide you with:

• Up-to-date clinical information, through discussion or distribution of patient information leaflets and booklets
• Holistic needs assessment
• Practical advice and answers to questions
• Emotional support
• Referral to other services (if appropriate) such as to community groups

Patients can also discuss a variety of issues, including:

• Surgery
• Radiotherapy and chemotherapy
• Side effects of cancer treatment
• Benefits/financial entitlement
• Support services including social services, home and hospice care
• Emotional and psychological support and counseling
• Symptom and fatigue management
• Employment, driving and holiday travel
• Medications
• Health and well-being events
• Treatment summaries
• Local and national support groups

The Colorectal CNS team work Monday - Friday, 8.30 – 4.30pm excluding bank holidays. They can be contacted via their answerphone on 01782672801.  Please leave your name, hospital number or date of birth and telephone number and they will get back to you.

Further information and support

Support Groups

We have an online  Facebook group you can join:  Royal Stoke Bowel Cancer Support Group (Bottoms Up Club). The group provides a flexible and convenient platform for patients, family members and friends to discuss with others in similar situations and share their experiences and feelings.

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre will:

• Listen to how cancer is affecting your life
• Provide a wide range of free booklets and other written information
• Put you in touch with other sources of support such as local counseling services, benefits advisers and support groups

The Macmillan centres are both at Royal Stoke and County Hospital is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

The address is:

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre
University Hospitals of North Midlands
Ground Floor, Main Building, Newcastle Road
Stoke on Trent, ST4 6QG

or e-mail us at macmillancentre@uhnm.nhs.uk

Colostomy Association

www.colostomyassociation.org.uk

Freephone: 0800 328 4257

Outlook Ostomy Support Group

This a local support group for patients with a stoma.

Chairperson: Moira Hammond, Secretary: Joan Brough, Flat 2 (Rear of 42), Ashlands Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 6QS, Tel: 01782 710828, E-Mail: jbrough@btinternet.com

National Support Groups

Bowel Cancer UK
bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Helpline
0800 707 60 60

The gynaecology cancer service provides surgery, oncology (chemotherapy/radiotherapy/brachytherapy) and palliative treatments for people with ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vaginal and vulva cancers. The team also provides surgery and brachytherapy treatment for patients from Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust.

About the service

During your journey you will be looked after by a dedicated team of specialists. The team will plan and coordinate your care with you. The multidisciplinary team (MDT) consists of gynaecological cancer surgeons, oncologists, clinical nurse specialists, histopathologists (who look at your biopsies/surgical specimens under the microscope)  and radiologists (who report your scans). The team meet once a week on a Monday morning to discuss your diagnosis and plan the best care for you. Having the input of specialist staff from a variety of clinical backgrounds helps give a rounded, complete view of each patient's case and therefore results in better care.

We understand the complex emotions and pressures that come with a cancer diagnosis and the subsequent treatment. We therefore take every measure possible to ensure you are made as comfortable as possible during your treatment. 

We are a specialist centre for this type of cancer treatment and have a huge catchment area for patients. We receive referrals from other trusts within our network, even going as far as Wales.

Quiet rooms are available, where we can speak to you in peace, away from the hubbub of the wards and the busy outpatient clinic environment. You will usually be taken here whilst given your diagnosis, so that you can concentrate properly on what is being said to you and discuss sensitive matters in private with your clinician and nurse specialist. A consultant will sit with you and explain your diagnosis, along with possible treatment options. They will be accompanied by a clinical nurse specialist who is there to support you and help with any questions or concerns you may have and act as your point of contact. Your family are also welcome to attend if you wish.

One-to-one appointments with your clinician can be requested. The quiet rooms can be reserved for this purpose and your family and friends are welcome to attend as well. The ward staff or your clinical nurse specialist can organise the appointment for you.

Pre-assessments are carried out for patients coming for minor and major surgery.

New and follow-up clinics enable our clinicians to assess your condition and share information and treatment options. Tests may also be organised, if necessary. It also gives you an opportunity to discuss how you are feeling and let us know if there is anything further we can do to help.

Nurse-led appointments offer an opportunity to discuss your condition or to discuss your emotional wellbeing after treatment. Not all patients will need this level of support.

There is a counselling team available. Please speak to your clinical nurse specialist if you would like them to refer you to this service for extra support.

Our clinical nurse specialists are able to meet with you and your family if you require advice on how to cope with your condition once you're back at home. The ward has a dedicated team of discharge facilitators who will help arrange any extra support you may require.   

Sadly, some types of gynaecological cancer can affect your ability to continue in a normal sexual pattern. The effects of this can be emotionally distressing for both you and your partner and we therefore provide psychosexual counselling for patients who are affected in this way.

The Staffordshire Gynae Cancer Support Group is facilitated by the clinical nurse specialist team and is a group that welcomes Staffordshire patients who have been affected by a gynaecological cancer. The group meet once a month. Please contact the clinical nurse specialist team for more information.

Clinical team, contacts and clinics

Gynaecological cancer surgeons

Mr R Todd, Mr M Kodampur, Ms S Soo-Hoo
Mr N Raut
Mr K Chin

Oncologists

Dr R Bhana
Dr L El-Helw
Dr S Joseph

Clinical nurse specialist team

The clinical nurse specialist for gynaecological cancer is Sarah Bielby. Sarah is supported by specialist support nurse Lyndsay Camm.  They may also be referred to as your "key worker". Sarah and Lyndsay will share information about your wishes and needs at the weekly team meeting. They are trained nurses with skills and experience in caring for women with a gynaecological cancer.  They will help you by answering any questions you may have and provide written information on your diagnosis, treatments or symptoms.

The clinical nurse specialist team work in partnership with ward staff to ensure referrals to other services, such as local community cancer and palliative care teams, are made.

Lyndsay and Sarah can also discuss a variety of issues, including:

•Surgery and recovery

•Radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments

•Finding you support and information on how to address financial worries or concerns

•Other support services including social services, home and hospice care

•Emotional and psychological support and counselling

•Symptom management

•Fatigue management

•Employment

•Driving and holiday travel

•Help with referring to relevant teams to obtain adaptations for the home/environmental aids

•Medications

•Local and national support groups

•Contact point for other member of the team

Sarah and Lyndsay are available from 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday, 01782 672799 . An answer machine service is available where messages can be left outside of this time. Please leave a message and they will return your call.

You contact them on a pager via Hospital Switchboard on 01782 715 444 or email sarah.bielby@uhnm.nhs.uk  Lyndsay.camm@uhnm.nhs.uk

Clinics

Clinics to see the surgeons are held in surgical outpatients 1.

Clinics to see the oncologists prior to treatment and during treatment are held in the cancer centre or the outpatient department at County Hospital.

Further information and support

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre will:

•Listen to how cancer is affecting your life

•Provide a wide range of free booklets and other written information

•Put you in touch with other sources of support such as local counselling services, benefits advisers and support groups

e-mail us at macmillancentre@uhns.nhs.uk

Please note, we are unrelated to the local Douglas Macmillan Hospice, despite the word Macmillan in both our names.

If you are making a special journey, please ring to make an appointment so you are not kept waiting

The Dove Service
(support and counselling) is a local service provided at The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley - Mon-Fri 10am to 6pm
Tel:  01782 683153

Macmillan Welfare Benefits Service at Disability Solutions
North Staffs Medical Institute
Hartshill Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 7NY
Telephone: 01782 667321

Douglas Macmillan Hospice
(inpatient and day centre facilities) Barlaston Road Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent. Tel: 01782 344300

Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan.org.uk
Helpline 0808 808 0000 

The Head and Neck Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is a Trust-wide multi-professional group serving a population of approximately 800,000 living predominantly in North Staffs, Stoke-On-Trent and South Staffs. However, there are flows into the county across the borders leading to patients being treated from Shropshire and Cheshire.

For health services, head and neck cancers present particular challenges because of the complexity of the anatomical structures and functions affected, the variety of professional disciplines involved in caring for patients and the relatively sparse geographical distribution of patients requiring specialised forms of therapy or support.

Head and Neck Cancers can have devastating effects on the lives of patients; the treatment can be disfiguring and often makes normal speech and eating difficult.

The Head and Neck team provides a diagnostic and treatment service at the Royal Stoke University Hospital and a diagnostic/follow up service at County Hospital (Stafford) all treatment modalities are carried out.

The MDT has the combined function of confirmation of diagnosis, treatment and management of all newly identified, recurrent or metastatic disease and as such communicating with appropriate agencies regarding rehabilitation and survivorship.

The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is made up of several different health care professionals who are specialists in diagnosing and treating Head and Neck cancer.

The team meet weekly and all contribute towards planning care. The Head and Neck Clinic is held each Monday morning in the ENT Department on the Ground Floor of the Main Building. The Thyroid clinic is held on Thursday mornings.  These clinics are where the team will discuss and plan treatment options, where patients will be reviewed and monitored.

Our staff understand the complex emotions and pressures that come with a cancer diagnoses and the subsequent treatment. The Trust takes every measure possible to ensure you are made as comfortable as possible during your treatment.

Core members

Ear Nose and Throat Surgeons

Mr R. Hughes

Mr A George

Miss E Ross

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Mr S Thomas

Mr D Gahir  

Clinical Oncologists

Dr A Jamil

Dr D Gahir

Consultant Restorative Dentist 

Mr S Brindley                    

Histopathologist

Dr S Waring

Dr P Simcock     

Radiologist

Dr J Joseph

Dr Z Hashim

Dr C Jadun

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Andrea Preece

Jacqueline Miller

Yvonne Harvey

Speech & Language therapist

Amy Bainbridge

Julie Parry

Dieticians            

Sophie Harries

Josh Beattie

Extended team members​

Lymphodema Nurse Practitioner

Rebecca Elwell

Physiotherapist

Sarah Smyth

Senior Maxillofacial Prosthetist

Julie Strzla

Dental Therapist( hygienist)

Rachael Taylor

Nutritional Nurse Specialist

Charlotte Cooper

Gareth Latham

Radiotherapy Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Dawn Beetham

Advanced Radiographer Practitioner

James Bisson

Support groups

The Head Cases Support group meets on the first Wednesday of the month 7.30-9.30pm

Thyroid Cancer friends-Staffordshire UK (face book page)

The groups provide a forum in which patients, both old and new, can meet. It is an opportunity to exchange experiences and stories, receive advice and information from trained clinicians, ask questions, and generally experience the benefit of engaging with others who understand them. A patient buddy system enables patients to meet and support each other along the way.

Staff from the head & neck team regularly attend the meetings, and are there as a contact point. They are highly experienced, clinically trained staff who can provide written information, and general expertise on many aspects of the disease, such as coping mechanisms, rehabilitation and ways to improve your quality of life.

Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to join patients when they attend the sessions, as it is important that they also have a strong support network during this difficult time.

The groups are intended not only to be informative, but enjoyable as well. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, and there are always refreshments available. Members of the group are very active in fundraising for the cause, and have organised many events which have done much to raise both money and awareness in connection to this issue. Specific events are often organised in addition to the regular meetings; such as patient parties, luncheons, raffles, and Christmas parties. Again, these are enjoyable and valuable occasions which offer you the opportunity to meet and share experiences, advice and support.

The appointment of patient representatives is key to the successful running of the groups, and patients are welcome to become one if they wish to play an active role in representing the views and wishes of others.

Professionals from other areas of health work will sometimes be invited to join the group for a session. They will talk to offer information and insight on how other areas of medicine are related to conditions and how specialists in these areas can help you.

If you are interested in attending the support groups, or would just like to pop along to one of their sessions, please contact the clinical nurse specialist (01782-674130).

They will provide all the details necessary on how to join and where to go.

Or access the web sites (see below for address)

Local Support group

1. Head cases-staffs.org.uk

2. www.lostchordstoke.org.uk

3. Thyroid face book page

Please contact the CNS for access and directions

01782-674130

National support groups

1. Let's Face It

 72, Victoria Avenue, Westgate on Sea, Kent.

Tel-01843-833724

www.lets-face-it.org.uk

 2. National Association of Laryngectomy Clubs

 Suite 16, Tempo House, 15 Falcon Road, London SW112PJ.

Tel-020 7730 8585

www.laryngectomy.org.uk

 3. Changing Faces,

 The Squire Centre, 33-37 University Street, London WC1E 6JN.

Tel-0300 0120 275

www.changingfaces.org.uk

4. British Thyroid Foundation

 2^nd floor, 3 Devonshire Place, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 AA.

Tel-01423 709 707

www.btf-thyroid.org

5. Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust

PO Box205, Rowlands Gill, Tyne and Wear, NE39 2WX

Tel-01207 545469

www.butterfly.org.uk

Further information and support

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre will:

• Listen to how cancer is affecting your life
• Provide a wide range of free booklets and other written information
• Put you in touch with other sources of support such as local counselling services, benefits advisers and support groups

The centre is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

The address is:

E-mail us at macmillancentre@uhnm.nhs.uk

Please note, we are unrelated to the local Douglas Macmillan Hospice, despite the word Macmillan in both our names.
If you are making a special journey, please ring to make an appointment so you are not kept waiting

This service provides investigations and diagnosis for lung cancer. We offer a range of cancer treatments including surgery, oncology (chemotherapy/radiotherapy) and palliative treatments for people with lung cancer and mesothelioma. The team also provides a surgical service for patients who attend Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust.

University Hospitals employs a multidisciplinary team who will treat and care for you throughout your journey. The team consists of cardiothoracic surgeons, respiratory physicians, oncologists, radiographers, palliative care nurses, patient pathway coordinators and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS).

The input of a highly specialised group of thoracic experts helps give a rounded, complete view of each patient's treatment. We understand the complex emotions and pressures that come with a cancer diagnosis and the subsequent treatment. We therefore take every measure to ensure you are made as comfortable as possible during your treatment.

You will be seen by a consultant and their associates who will discuss investigations and findings along with possible treatment options. They will be accompanied by a Clinical Nurse Specialist, who is there to support you.​

Clinical team

Respiratory Physicians
Dr I Hussain
Dr M Haris
Dr Bikmalla
Dr Khan
Dr Maddekar
Dr Khalil

Cardiothoracic Surgeons
Mr S Ghosh
Mr C Satur
Mr Q Abid

Oncologist
Dr S Giridharan
Dr A Jegannathen
Dr Vengalil

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
The lung cancer nurse specialist provides support to each patient as they progress through their pathway. The CNS will take the patient through each step and are dedicated to providing each patient with an individual-focused service. They also work closely with the team of doctors on the wards and in the outpatient clinics at both Royal Stoke and County Hospital.

Your nurse specialist will provide written information on specific lung conditions, explain treatments and is there to answer any questions you may have. They work in partnership with clinic and ward staff to ensure that referrals to other services, such as local community cancer and palliative care teams, are made. They will provide you with:

• Up-to-date clinical information, through discussion or distribution of patient information leaflets and booklets
• Practical advice and answers to questions
• Emotional support
• Referral to other services (if appropriate) such as to community groups

Patients can also discuss a variety of issues, including:

• Surgery
• Radiotherapy and chemotherapy
• Benefits/financial entitlement
• Support services including social services, home and hospice care
• Emotional and psychological support and counseling
• Symptom and fatigue management
• Employment, driving and holiday travel
•  Medications
• Local and national support groups
  
  

The team work Monday - Friday, 8.30 – 4.30pm.  There is an answering service. If you need them, please leave your name, hospital number or date of birth and telephone number and they will get back to you.

UHNM staff

Lead Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist - Alison Bain

Associate Lung Cancer Nurse Specialists

Marie Dillon
Patrick Grove
Sarah Booth
Nicky Walker
Pamela Birks
Royal Stoke Hospital Tel: - 01782 674065 or 01782 674067
County Hospital Tel: - 01785 230670 or 01785 230977

Support groups

Lung Cancer Health Wellbeing Support and Survivorship Group

The group meets at the London Road Bowling Club, London Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1LZ, on the last Wednesday of every month. The atmosphere is very friendly and informal and there is always plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits. The group provides an opportunity for patients, family members and friends to meet up with others in similar situations and share their experiences and feelings. There is also a range of activities available throughout the year and a nurse specialsit is on hand to give advice, information and support.

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre

Staff at the centre will listen to how cancer is affecting your life, provide a wide range of free booklets and other written information and put you in touch with other sources of support such as local counseling  services, benefit advisers and support groups.

The centre is open Monday - Friday, 10am to 4pm. If you are making a special journey, please ring first.

The address is:

Please note we are unrelated to the local Douglas Macmillan Hospice, despite the word Macmillan in both our names.

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

4-6 Enterprise Way, Wavertree Tech Park, Liverpool, L13 1FB, Telephone: 0333 323 7200
Website: www.roycastle.org

United Kingdom Lung Cancer Coalition
Telephone: 0207 688 5555, website: http://www.uklcc.org.uk/

Macmillan Cancer Support
89 Albert  Enbankment , London SE1  7UQ
Telephone 02078407840

Mesothelioma UK Charitable Trust, Unit 116,Green Acres ,The Sidings  Station Road, Birstall ,Leicester LE4 3BR, Telephone 08001692409.

West Midlands Asbestos Support Team
Name of Contact: Doug Jewell, Address: 138 Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DR, Telephone: 0121 678 8883. 

Asbestos Support WM offer help and advice to people, and their families, who are suffering from asbestos related diseases. 

UHNM's skin cancer service provides surgery, oncology (immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy) and palliative treatment for people with skin cancers.  Our multidisciplinary team includes plastic surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, clinical nurse specialists (your key worker), a support nurse in skin cancer, ophthalmologists and dermatologists. 

The input of the multidisciplinary team, with a wide range of specialists central to the service, helps give a complete view of each patient's case and therefore results in better care.

About the service

Our staff understand the complex emotions and pressures that come with a cancer diagnoses and the subsequent treatment.  We take every measure to ensure you are made as comfortable as possible during your treatment, including:

• Quiet rooms where private and confidential conversations take place away from the hubbub of the wards.  You will usually be taken here whilst given your diagnosis, so that you can concentrate properly on what is being said to you and discuss sensitive matters in private with our clinician and clinical nurse specialist
• The clinical nurse specialists and support nurse help patients who have been diagnosed with Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and rare skin cancer, ensuring patients are aware of sun protection, correct application of sunscreen and the undertaking of self-skin and lymph node examination
• Clinical nurse specialists also take patients through the results of tests and will provide all relevant written information
• The clinical nurse specialists have weekly clinics and see patients for their three monthly follow up appointment, ensuring patients are still in good health and recovering well
• Health promotion sessions are run in popular and busy areas, such as county shows, main receptions of both Royal Stoke and County Hospital and local radio stations

Your clinical team

Plastic surgeons
Mr W Jaffe
Mr M Maher
Mr W Maamoun
Mr D Prinsloo
Mr A Ismail
Mr E Erel
Mr K Apostolou

Dermatologists
Dr M Paul
Dr R Rotarescu
Dr L Patrascu
Dr A Wong
Dr L Sharaf
Dr C Amarasena

Ophthalmologist
Mr J Bowyer

Oncologists
Professor M Brunt, Dr S Vengalil, Dr N Sharma

Radiologist
Dr N Lane

Histopathologist
Dr V Mudaliar

Clinical Nurse Specialists

• Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist    Gwen Rylands
• Clinical Nurse Specialist             Elizabeth Spittal
• Specialist Support Nurse            Sheryl Templado
  (Rachel Cole provides our administrative support)

The specialist nursing team for skin cancer provide constant support to each patient as they progress through their care pathway.  They take the patient through each step and are dedicated to providing each patient with a personal service.  They undertake health needs assessments and provide patients with written information and explain treatments and answer questions.  At the end of patients' surgical treatment the specialist nurse will send an end-of-treatment summary to the patient's GP and share this information with each patient.

Clinical nurse specialists work in partnership with ward and outpatients staff to ensure that referrals to other services, such as local community and palliative care teams, are made.  Clinical nurse specialists have access to:

• Up to date clinical information, through discussion or distribution of patient information leaflets and booklets
• Practical advice and answers questions
• Emotional support
• Referral to other services (if appropriate) such as community groups
• Advice on how to obtain surgical appliances

Patients can also discuss a variety of issues, including:

• Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Benefits/financial entitlement
• Support services including social services, home and hospice care
• Emotional and psychological support and counselling
• Symptom and fatigue management
• Employment, driving and holiday travel
• Help with adaptations for the home/environmental aids
• Medications
• Moles local support group
• Health and Wellbeing events

The working hours of the nursing team are 8.00am – 5pm Monday to Friday. They are available to speak to either by phone or in person on these days.  An answer machine service is available when they are not in due to being in clinic.

Royal Stoke tel:               01782 674699

County Hospital tel:        01785 234310

Further information and support

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre will:

• Listen to how cancer is affecting your life
• Provide a wide range of free booklets and other written information
• Put you in touch with other sources of support such as local counselling services, benefits advisers and support groups

Email us at macmillancentre@uhnm.nhs.uk

Please note, we are unrelated to the local Douglas Macmillan Hospice, despite the word Macmillan in both our names. If you are making a special journey, please ring to make an appointment so you are not kept waiting.

The Moles Support Group

The group offers the opportunity for patients, family and friends to meet in a relaxed setting.  Members range from patients diagnosed in the last few weeks, patients on treatments and patients who have completed treatments and have been living with cancer for many years.

The group aims to help patients and relatives to cope with the worries, feelings and concerns that a cancer diagnosis brings, and to make sure that patients their families and friends have all the information and support they need.  Talking to someone who has been where you are can help to overcome distress and improve quality of life.

The Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist attends these meetings and arranges various relevant speakers to present to the group.

The Moles meet at 7pm on the first Thursday of each month at:

The Cornerstone Community Centre
65 Mill Street
Silverdale
Newcastle-under-Lyme
ST5 6PF

www.northstaffsmoles2.btck.co.uk

Other support groups

Veterans Agency for ex-servicemen and women   
Tel: 01562 825527

Changing Faces www.changingfaces.org.uk

University Hospitals' upper GI cancer service provides surgery, oncology (chemotherapy/radiotherapy) and palliative treatments for people with oesophageal, gastric, pancreatic and biliary cancers. The team also provides surgical treatment for patients from Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Wolverhampton and Leighton Hospital. Endoscopic ultrasound scans, staging Laparoscopy  and PET scans for staging are also carried out at University Hospitals.

About the serv​​ice

University Hospitals employs a multidisciplinary team who will treat and care for you throughout your journey. The team consists of upper GI surgeons, gastroenterologists, consultant oncologists, consultant histopathologists, consultant radiologists, specialist dieticians, and a clinical nurse specialist. Having the input of staff from a variety of clinical backgrounds helps give a rounded, complete view of each patient's case, and therefore results in better care.

We understand the complex emotions and pressures that come with a cancer diagnoses and the subsequent treatment. We therefore take every measure possible to ensure you are made as comfortable as possible during your treatment.  For example, we have:

• Special Counselling Rooms:  These are rooms where we can speak to you in peace, away from the hubbub of the wards. You will usually be taken here whilst given your diagnosis, so that you can concentrate properly on what is being said to you, and discuss sensitive matters in private with your clinician. A consultant will sit with you and explain your diagnosis, along with possible treatment options. They will be accompanied by a clinical nurse specialist, who is there to support you and talk to you about your feelings. 

• Private Appointments: We have a facility which allows you to book a private appointment with your doctor/consultant. The quiet rooms can be reserved for this purpose, and your family and friends are welcome to attend as well. A nurse will book the appointment for you on request.

Local suppo​rt groups

• The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre - Email macmillancentre@uhns.nhs.uk

• The Swallows is a local support group (chaired by Wendy Bostock) aimed at those patients/spouse/carers who are either due to have oesophageal or gastric surgery or have recently had surgery for their cancer. The Swallows can be contacted at swallowsuhns@yahoo.com. Or visit their site on www.swallows-uhns.co.uk

Clinical te​am

Upper GI Surge​​ons

• Mr CVN Cheruvu

• Mr W Crisp

• Mr D Corless

• Mr M Deakin

• Mr D Durkin

• Mr D Beardsmore

• Miss A Rotundo
• Visiting Surgeons Mr F Curran (from New Cross Hospital) and Mr D Corless ( from Leighton Hospital)

Gastroent​erologists

• Dr S Sen
• Dr A Brind
• Dr J Green
• Dr R Glass
• Dr F Leslie
• Dr A Bohan
• Dr K Lau
• Dr R Ramakrishnan
• Dr S Hebbar

Consultant ​Oncologists

• Dr A Jamil
• Dr C Connolly

Clinical Nurse Specialists

The clinical nurse specialists for upper GI cancer are Lyn Walker and Emma Kidd. Lyn and Emma's role is to provide constant support to each patient as they progress through their care pathway. They will take you through each step of your journey and are dedicated to providing each patient with a personal service. 

They can provide written information on conditions, explain treatments and are there to answer any questions you may have. The clinical nurse specialist works in partnership with the community Macmillan team to ensure that, where appropriate, referrals to other services are made. Through Lyn and Emma, you will be able to access:

• Up to date clinical information, for example through discussion, or through distribution of patient information leaflets and booklets
• Practical advice and answers to your questions
• Emotional support
• Referral to other services (if appropriate) such as to community groups
• Advice and help with issues on Oesophageal Stents

 You can also discuss a variety of issues or be signposted onto relevant other healthcare professionals for advice (depending on their relevancy to you) including:

• Surgery
• Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy
• Other Support Services including social services, home and hospice care
• Emotional and Psychological support and counselling
• Symptom Management
• Fatigue Management
• Employment, benefits/financial entitlement, driving and holiday travel
• Help with Adaptations for the Home/Environmental Aids
• Medications
• Local and national Support Groups
• Contact Point for other member so the team

Paged via Hospital Switchboard): 01782 715444 or direct office telephone number 01782 674695 or Email:lyn.walker@uhns.nhs.uk  or emma.kidd@uhns.nhs.uk

Further information an​d support

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre will:

• Listen to how cancer is affecting your life
• Provide a wide range of free booklets and other written information
• Put you in touch with other sources of support such as local counselling services, benefits advisers and support groups

The centre is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

The address is:

E-mail us at macmillancentre@uhns.nhs.uk

Please note, we are unrelated to the local Douglas Macmillan Hospice, despite the word Macmillan in both our names.

If you are making a special journey, please ring to make an appointment so you are not kept waiting

Urology

University Hospitals' urology cancer service provides surgery, oncology (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) and palliative treatments for people with prostate, testicular, penile, bladder and kidney cancers.

Your clinical​​ team​

Urological surgeons 

Mr C Luscombe

Mr A Golash

Mr L Gommersall

Mr H Fernando

Mr S Liu

Mr L James

Mr Y Rao

Mr B Nair

Mrs T Mistry-Pain

Oncologists

Dr S Vengalil

Dr R Bhana

Dr S Joseph

Types of treat​​ments

• Robotic surgery - a less invasive type of operation which enables a quicker recovery and less scarring.
• Day case surgery - means patients don't have to stay in hospital overnight and enables a quicker recovery time.
• 3D conformal external beam radiotherapy - a form of radiotherapy which allows a more specific area of the body or tumour to be targeted and treated.
• Hormone manipulation - a treatment which reduces the chance of tumours recurring or growing in size.
• Brachytherapy - allows highly concentrated amounts of radioactive material to be placed near or inside tumours to reduce them in size or eradicate them completely.
• Bladder intravesical treatments - used for superficial bladder cancers.
• Radiotherapy - the use of high energy x-rays and similar rays (such as electrons) to treat disease.
• Chemotherapy - the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy, which is also called biologic therapy or biotherapy - a treatment which uses certain parts of the immune system to fight disease, including cancer

Clinical Nurse Specialists

• Debbie Clifford   CNS (Lead)
• Mandy Bowling   CNS
• Rincy Mathew     CNS
• Katie Knowles     CNS
• Lanie Aragon CNS
• Angela Walters    HCSW
• Jinto Varghese    HCSW

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Team are a group of nurses with specialist skills, knowledge and expertise in urological cancer care.

The nursing team provide specialist support and information to patients and their families throughout their cancer pathway. They work as part of a multi-disciplinary team of health care professionals.

The role provides a link and point of contact for patients and families from the hospital environment to home. They are your designated Key Workers.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Team offer:

• Nurse led clinics and telephone clinics.
• Self-Management Programme and information event.
• Personalised information about treatment options
• Sign posting to other agencies.
• Referrals to other specialist teams.
• Telephone advice and support.
  
  The CNS team is available Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm (Not including bank holidays) on 01782 679370. There is a voicemail facility and we would encourage you to leave a message. We will endeavour to return your phone call the same working day however due to clinical commitments this may not always be possible.

Further information and support

The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre will:

• Listen to how cancer is affecting your life
• Provide a wide range of free booklets and other written information
• Put you in touch with other sources of support such as local counselling services, benefits advisers and support groups

The centre is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

You will find a Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre at the following locations: 

macmillancentre@uhns.nhs.uk

Please note, we are unrelated to the local Douglas Macmillan Hospice, despite the word Macmillan in both our names.

If you are making a special journey, please ring to make an appointment so you are not kept waiting

North Staffordshire Bladder Cancer Support Group

You are most welcome to attend the North

Staffordshire Support Group. We meet on the

last Wednesday of alternate months (January,

March, May, July, September, November) – 6pm

to 8pm at:

Bradwell Lodge Community Centre

Bradwell Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 8PS

North Staffs prostate cancer support group

Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month from 6-8pm at

Joiners Square Community Centre

Cornes Street

Stoke on Trent

ST1 3JA

Mid Staffordshire urology cancer support group

The meetings are flexible and there is no

obligation or expectation to attend for the

whole meeting or even for every meeting.

We meet on the first Tuesday in the month

of January, April, July and October from

6pm – 8pm in the:

Post Graduate Medical Centre,

County Hospital,

Weston Road,

Stafford

ST16 3SA

National Support Groups

Continence Advisory Service, Helpline: 020 7831 9831 or Tel: 0845 601 0766

Impotence Association, PO Box 10269, London Sw17 9WH, Tel: 020 8767 7791

Prostate Cancer Support Association, BM Box 9434, London, WC1N 3XX

The Prostate Cancer Charity, 3 Angel Walk, London W6 9HX, Tel: 0845 300 8383

Prostate Cancer Support (Central England), 2 Shelley Gardens, Hinckley, Leicester, LE10 1TA or Tel: 01455 448040

The Urostomy Association, Buckland, Beaumont Park, Danbury, Essex, CM3 4DE or Tel: 01245 224294

What is the Prostate Self-Managed Pathway?

The Prostate Self-Managed Pathway (SMP) is a form of follow-up which has been introduced nationally to improve a patients' follow-up pathway. It is offered to most patients after radical treatment for prostate cancer and routine appointments are replaced by a system where patients are not required to attend hospital for an appointment when they are feeling well and symptom-free.

Your consultant urologist or clinical oncologist will advise if you are eligible to be followed up on this pathway.

The overall aim of the prostate cancer service is to deliver evidence based follow up care in a timely manner for specified patients in accordance with the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. This includes streamlining appointments that reflect ‘Getting It Right First Time’ principles and ‘Right person Right place Right time’ thus improving patient experience.

Follow up using a Self-Managed Pathway (SMP) has been shown to be better for patients as it avoids unnecessary trips to the hospital and patients reported that they often find traditional clinical appointments can lead to stress and anxiety.

The SMP avoids delay in reporting worrying signs and symptoms if a routine clinical appointment is not imminent and support, guidance and advice is available via the Urology CNS nursing team.

If the symptom or concern requires a clinic appointment, this will be arranged after discussion with the Urology CNS.

How it works

Initially following radical treatment the PSA will be reviewed regularly for 12 months either by the clinical nurse specialist team (CNS) or the oncology team.

After 12 months of follow up you will then be invited to join the SMP. The Urology Support Navigator will contact you to make an introduction to the pathway and advise on how we will manage your care going forwards.

You are not discharged from our care as we need to monitor your PSA for 5 years from the date you completed your treatment so this will be arranged as part of the SMP.

A Holistic Needs Assessment will be completed to identify any concerns you may have and any support and advice will be given.

An End of Treatment summary will be written and given to you which will also be sent to your GP. This documents an overview of the treatment that you have undergone and possible side effects to be aware of.

The Urology Helpline is available to contact if you have an issue or concern. It is important you inform the team of any new symptoms so that we can deal with your concerns as quickly as possible.

Will I have any tests still?

The PSA will be reviewed regularly and this is managed by the Urology Navigator. The reviews will be at different intervals depending on which radical treatment you have had.

Radical Prostatectomy- For patients who require high risk follow up the PSA will be reviewed 4 monthly for 12 months and then 6 monthly for the remaining three years.

For patients who require low risk follow up the PSA will be reviewed 6 monthly for two years and then annually for the remaining two years.

Radical Radiotherapy- PSA will be reviewed 6 monthly for two years then annually for the remaining 2 years.

Five years following completion of radical treatment you will be discharged back to your GP who will continue with annual PSA reviews.     

Where can I find information regarding the SMP?

A detailed leaflet regarding the SMP will be provided when you are invited to join the pathway.

When should I call the helpline?

Once you have joined the SMP you should call the Urology CNS helpline if you have any concerns or need support. It is also important that you call if you have any of the following issues:

• Problems related to your prostate surgery - Urinary urgency, frequency or incontinence if symptoms are longstanding.

• A stricture can occur and can cause poor urinary flow and urinary tract infection; this should be reported to the team.
• Erectile Dysfunction.
• Any new symptoms that could represent a possible recurrence of your prostate cancer
• Problems related to your radiotherapy treatment - Bowel problems, loose stools, frequency, passing mucus, pain, bleeding and leakage, this can however last for a few weeks or months.

If the team think you require an appointment for clinical assessment this will be arranged within 2 weeks.

How do I contact the helpline?

You can contact the helpline on 01782 679370. This telephone service is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and will be answered by the Urology support navigator.

If your call is not answered immediately please leave a short message on the answerphone and the team will either contact you by the end of the working day or the next working day.

Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre

We are a non-clinical centre that offers practical and emotional support to anyone affected by cancer and can provide personalised and tailored support, dependant on your support needs. We work in partnership with the national Macmillan Cancer Support charity. We are not affiliated in any way with the DMH (Dougie Mac Hospice and Charity). No referral or appointment is needed to access our service, however If you are making a special visit to see us, please telephone the centre prior - to ensure a member of staff is present.

Royal Stoke University Hospital (UHNM)

Main Building (Ground Floor)

Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 6QG

Telephone: 01782 676333

macmillancentre@uhnm.nhs.uk 

Centre opening times: Monday-Friday

10am - 4pm

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County Hospital (UHNM)

Weston Road

Stafford

ST16 3SA

macmillancentre@uhnm.nhs.uk  

Telephone: 01785 236075

Centre opening times: Monday - Friday

10:00am - 4pm