Lung Cancer 2 week wait referral

Following referral to the Lung Cancer Pathway you will be discussed in our Fast Track Meeting that happens every weekday between a Lung Cancer Physician, Thoracic Radiologist and Lung Cancer CNS.

You will then be contacted by telephone to discuss the plan and investigations needed.

In order to reduce any delays we often telephone to discuss tests and further investigation. You will be invited to a face to face clinic when we have the diagnosis and treatment plan.

 

National Optimal Lung Cancer Pathway (NOLCP)

This optimal pathway is primarily designed to improve outcomes in lung cancer by encouraging best practice, reducing variation, and reducing delays in diagnosis, staging and treatment. It is also designed to meet the waiting time targets as set out in the Independent Cancer Taskforce report.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/implementing-a-timed-lung-cancer-diagnostic-pathway/

 

National Optimal Lung Cancer Pathway (NOLCP) document pending

UHNM are part of the catchment area which covers Stafford Prison.
Timely appointments and on-going support can be offered to patients that require more thorough planning and consideration due to the prison guidelines.

Fast track


Nurse led telephone assessments can be arranged with 2-3 days’ notice by calling the prison health care team.
All telephone appointments need to happen at the time provided as the patient will have limited access to the telephone.


Investigations


CT scans, bronchoscopy and CT biopsies can be arranged by the relevant department by letter or calling the health care team at the prison.

PET scan 


The medical history, including any history of diabetes, will be checked at the first assessment. 


In order for this test to happen, the patient diabetes needs to be well managed.  Blood sugars need to be stable at 10 or below.
If poor blood sugar control is identified,  forward planning will help to avoid any delay.  Hospital admission may need to be considered in some cases to stabilise blood sugars.

Lung clinic appointments


Face to face appointments can be arranged with advanced notice via the prison team to arrange transport and escorts.

Support clinics


During key points in the pathway, after clinic reviews and results, a telephone support clinic with the nurse specialist can be arranged.  

Post lung surgery support 


Following surgery the nurse led telephone assessment can be offered 1-2 weeks after discharge. This needs to be arranged via the prison healthcare team with prior notice. This also includes support calls following results where diagnosis and further treatment is discussed.

Oncology


Oncology appointments  and treatment is arranged with the oncology team. The patient will be reviewed regularly by the oncology team at each hospital attendance. Support calls can be arranged as required at the request of the prison health care team or the patient.

Palliative care referrals 


Referrals can be made via the specialist team at Katharine House Hospice Stafford.