Diagnosis and treatment of cancer requires a team of experts called a multidisciplinary team (MDT). The team is made up of specialists with the different skills required to diagnose and treat gynaecological cancers. Teams are there to ensure that all patients are given the same, high standard of care.
Members of the MDT in Carlisle participate in a weekly video conference with the MDT in the Northern Gynaecological Centre (NGOC) based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead. Your case will be discussed in detail to ensure that all appropriate investigations and treatment choices are considered. These choices will then be fully explained to you.
Members of the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) MDT
The following describes the role of some of the members of the team that are likely to be involved in your care.
The Gynaecologist
There are consultant Gynaecologists, one of which is the Clinical Gynaecological Cancer Lead for the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust (NCIC). They are involved in the diagnosis, treatment and follow up of gynaecological cancers in NCIC. Although the MDT may recommend surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead most patients have their long term follow up closer to home.
The Gynaecology Specialist Nurse
The specialist nurses are experienced in supporting women with gynaecological cancer. They will provide you and your family with information to help you understand your treatment and can advise you on practical issues regarding any problems associated with your diagnosis and/or treatment.
The Oncologist
The Oncologists are experts in the treatment of cancer using radiotherapy and chemotherapy. There are a team of specially trained nurses, radiographers and doctors working alongside them in the oncology department. If you have this sort of treatment the oncology team is likely to provide long term follow up alongside the gynaecology team.
The Radiologist
These doctors are specially trained in interpreting X-rays, ultrasound scans, CT, PETCT, MRI scans and performing scan guided biopsies which you may have in order to help diagnose your condition.
The Pathologist
These doctors are specially trained in looking at cells under a microscope to make a diagnosis which enables the team to make decisions about your treatment.
The MDT Co-ordinator
The MDT Co-ordinator helps to ensure patients are presented to the MDT in a timely manner and co-ordinates the meetings.
The Cancer Care Co-ordinator
The Cancer Care Co-ordinator helps to co-ordinate treatment in a timely manner and can support you through the cancer pathway. They can also help assist with any financial concerns.
Useful Contact Numbers:
Gynaecology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Cumberland Infirmary
Secretary: 01228 814217
Julie Thomas CNS: 07766524805
Sian Storey CNS: 07816199654
West Cumberland Hospital
Secretary: 01946 523217
Lisa Lowe CNS 01946 523234 / 07816199713
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302