Multidisciplinary team (MDT)
A team of specialists will care for you at UCLH. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT) and it includes doctors, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.
You may have appointments in person, by phone, or by video. Before your appointment, write down any questions you have. This can help you to remember what you want to ask.
You can also bring a family member or friend to your appointments. They can support you and help you remember important information.
Members of the MTD:
Please note: Depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan, you may not need to see all the healthcare professionals listed below.
A specialist surgeon will perform the type of surgery you need.
Oncologists are experts in chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments for your cancer.
CNSs are experienced nurses with specialist training in cancer care. They provide advice and support throughout your diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
One of the urological cancer CNSs will be your key worker. They will be the main point of contact for you, your family, and your healthcare team.
Support workers assist CNSs and provide extra help. They are not medically trained so they cannot give medical advice. However, they can connect you with the right services and refer you to support services, such as welfare and benefits advice.
Having cancer and coping with treatment can affect your quality of life in different ways. A support worker may offer you a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) to understand any concerns you may have. This assessment covers your physical, practical and emotional needs.
Radiologists specialise in reading X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, bone scans, and other tests to help diagnose your condition.
Histopathologists analyse tissue and cell samples from biopsies and other tests to confirm the type of cancer.
This team includes trained nurses who specialise in bladder and bowel control. If needed, your key worker can refer you to your local continence team.
This team of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) supports patients who need a urinary diversion. This is a type of surgery that creates a new way for you to pass urine if your bladder has been removed.
The urinary diversion team also provides education and support to carers and healthcare professionals.
UCLH is a leading research centre that runs studies and clinical trials to improve care for people with urological cancers. If you choose to join a clinical trial, a research nurse will be your main contact during that time.
You may also see physiotherapists, occupational therapists or dietitians as part of your care. Your team will refer you to these specialists if necessary.
The MDT team meets every week to discuss each patient's diagnosis and treatment plan. They make sure every patient receives the best care, with the right tests and treatment.
The team’s recommendations for your treatment plan will be recorded in your medical notes. You will likely have an appointment with your consultant or CNS to discuss this. Sometimes, you may need to have more tests or see another specialist. We will let you know if this is the case.
