This page explains how our colorectal cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT) will support you during treatment. This team includes experts in different areas of colorectal medicine and care, such as doctors, nurses, dietitians and physiotherapists.
Your treatment and care will be tailored to meet your specific needs. This means you may not meet every member of the team listed here.
Once we have all your test results, we will talk to you about your treatment options.
It’s important that you fully understand your treatment. Please ask us any questions about your care plan and we will do our best to give you clear answers. We will also give you written information about your diagnosis and treatment. If anything is unclear or you have any questions about the written information, please ask us.
You may find it helpful to write down your questions before your appointment. Patients often tell us that having the questions written down is a good reminder to ask them.
You are also welcome to bring a family member or friend. They can help you remember what has been discussed and offer you support.
Consultant surgeons
If you need surgery as part of your cancer treatment, it will usually take place at University College Hospital (UCH). You will meet your consultant surgeon during your outpatient appointment. They will talk to you about your treatment plan. Our surgeons work as part of a team, so you may see other members of their team during your hospital stay.
Medical oncologists
Medical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with drugs, such as chemotherapy. They work as part of a team, so you may see different team members during your clinic appointments or while you are in hospital.
Contact via secretary: 020 3447 9093 (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri)
Clinical oncologists
Clinical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with radiotherapy (high-energy X-rays). They work as part of a team, so you may see different team members during your clinic appointments or while you are in hospital.
Contact via secretary: 020 3447 9093 (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri)
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)
Colorectal cancer CNSs are senior nurses who specialise in caring for people with colorectal cancer. They offer information, advice and support throughout your diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
One of the CNSs will be your key worker. They will be the main point of contact for you, your family and anyone involved in your care.
If your key worker is away, another colorectal cancer CNS will support you.
When calling, please leave a message with your name, hospital number and telephone number. The team will return your call as soon as possible.
Telephone: 020 3447 9188 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Email: uclh.
Macmillan support workers
Support workers help the CNS team with daily tasks. They are not medically trained, so they cannot give medical advice. But they can speak to the relevant teams on your behalf and make referrals to different services. These include welfare and benefits advice or community-based programmes.
The colorectal cancer support worker will try to meet you on your first visit to UCLH. They will explain the support available and offer you a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA). This helps to identify any concerns you may have, including physical, practical or emotional needs.
Telephone: 020 3447 9188 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Please leave a message and they will get back to you as soon as they can.
Other members of the MDT
The team also includes other specialists, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, counsellors and dietitians. If you need to see one of them, we will arrange it.
If you are currently receiving treatment and have a medical emergency outside of normal hours, please go to your local Emergency Department (A&E) or contact your GP.
The colorectal cancer MDT 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 and make the referral.
You can also ask your key worker or CNS for a phone call to discuss the meeting’s outcome.
We will keep your GP informed about your diagnosis, treatment and care. You will be copied into these letters as well.
If there is anything in the letters that you don’t understand, talk to your consultant at your next appointment, or call your CNS.
If you prefer not to receive these letters, please let your consultant or CNS know.
You can also view your letters and appointment details on our patient portal, MyCare UCLH. If you have trouble signing up, your CNS can assist you.
UCLH is a leading centre for cancer research. We run studies and clinical trials to find new and better treatments for patients with colorectal cancers.
- Research studies may involve giving a blood sample or filling in a questionnaire.
- Clinical trials may involve trying a new medication or procedure.
Your doctor will talk to you about any research studies or clinical trials that may be suitable for you. If you decide to take part in a clinical trial, a research nurse or clinical trials practitioner will support you throughout.
It is up to you whether you wish to get involved. If you decide not to take part, or if you choose to leave a trial, you will still receive the same high standard of care.
To find out more or to search for current studies or trials, visit our cancer clinical trials page.
The Macmillan Support and Information Service offers advice, support, and information to anyone affected by cancer or a blood condition. You can drop in any time between 9am and 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, or call 020 3447 8663.
PALS is a patient-friendly, easy-to-access service designed to provide a personal contact point to assist patients, relatives and carers. If you have a problem that you have not been able to resolve, PALS can help you.
The UCH PALS office is located on the ground floor of the University College Hospital. It is open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Telephone: 020 3447 3042
Email: uclh.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Support line: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm)
Bowel Cancer UK
General enquiries: 020 7940 1760 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Email: nurse
Colostomy UK
Stoma helpline: 0800 328 4257 (24 hours a day)
General enquiries: 0118 939 1537 (10am and 4pm)
Ileostomy UK
Telephone: 0800 0184 724 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust cannot accept responsibility for information provided by external organisations.
Our cancer information has been awarded the PIF TICK, the UK’s quality mark for trustworthy health information. This means it is easy to understand, up to date and based on the latest evidence. If you would like more details about the evidence sources we use, please contact us at uclh.
This information has been written and approved by expert health professionals at UCLH. It has also been revised and edited by the UCLH cancer information team, with valuable input from our readers’ panel.
Services
Page last updated: 30 July 2025
Review due: 30 July 2027