Introduction
This is information about the colorectal and anal cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT). An MDT is a team of professionals who will be caring for you and supporting you at University College London Hospitals (UCLH). This team consists of experts in different areas of colorectal medicine and care such as doctors, nurses, dietitians and physiotherapists.
It’s important that you understand what your treatment involves. Please ask us about any aspect of 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 to support the discussions you will have with members of our team. If there is anything you don’t understand or if you have any questions about the written information, please ask us.
You may find it helpful to write down any questions you would like to ask us before your appointment. Patients often tell us that having the questions written down is a good reminder to ask them.
Consultant surgeons
You may need surgery as part of your cancer treatment. Surgery usually takes place at University College Hospital (UCH). You will meet your consultant surgeon at your outpatient appointment to discuss your treatment. As the surgeons work in a team, you may see different members of their team during your hospital stay.
Your consultant surgeon is:
Contact via secretary:
Medical oncologists
Medical oncologists are doctors who specialise in the treatment of cancer with drugs (chemotherapy). As medical oncologists work in a team, you may see different members of their team during your clinic appointment or on the ward.
Your medical oncologist is:
Contact via secretary: 020 3447 9093 (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri)
Clinical oncologists
Clinical oncologists are doctors who specialise in the treatment of cancer with radiotherapy. As clinical oncologists work in a team, you may see different members of their team during your clinic appointment or on the ward.
Your clinical oncologist is:
Contact via secretary: 020 3447 9093 (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri)
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)
The colorectal cancer CNSs are senior nurses and experts in caring for people with colorectal cancer. They provide information, clinical advice and support throughout diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
One of the colorectal cancer CNSs will also be your key worker. This means that they will be the main point of contact for you, your family and any professionals involved in your care.
The colorectal cancer CNSs are available Monday to Friday, from 9am until 5pm. 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.
Your key worker is:
Telephone: 020 3447 9188 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Email: uclh.
Macmillan cancer support workers
Macmillan cancer support workers work alongside the CNSs and support them in their day-to-day activities. They can make referrals to other services, such as the welfare and benefits advice, and community-based programmes. As they are not medically qualified, they are unable to give medical advice but can liaise with the relevant teams on your behalf.
The support worker will try to meet you on your first visit to UCLH to tell you about the services and support available. They will offer you a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) which may help to identify any concerns or worries you have. These may include physical, practical as well as emotional concerns. For more information about the HNA, please ask to see our leaflet, Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA).
Your support worker is:
Telephone: 020 3447 9188 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Email:
Please leave a message and they will get back to you as soon as they can.
Out-of-hours advice
If you are currently receiving treatment and need to speak to someone out of hours because you have a medical emergency, please go to your local Emergency Department (A&E) or contact your GP.
The Macmillan Support and Information Service provides a relaxed and informal space where patients, their families and friends can ask questions and talk through their concerns with specialist staff. The team offers support at any stage of patient care – from diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond.
You can access a range of information resources, including leaflets and booklets. The team can also refer you to other services, such as:
- Complementary therapy
- Wig and scarf tying advice
- Diet and nutrition advice
- Welfare and benefits, and
- Psychological care and counselling.
There is also a programme of supportive activities on offer to help you manage the effects of your treatment and meet other people who share similar experiences.
You don’t need an appointment to visit the Macmillan Support and Information Service and the team will see you as quickly as possible.
Address: University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, Ground Floor, Huntley Street, London WC1E 6AG
Telephone: 020 3447 8663
Email: uclh.
Twitter: @supportandinfo
Opening hours: 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
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 main hospital building and is open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Telephone: 020 3447 3042
Email: uclh.
Address: University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, NW1 2BU
Macmillan Cancer Support
Telephone: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm)
Website: macmillan.org.uk
Bowel Cancer UK
Telephone: 020 7940 1760 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Email: nurse
Website: bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Colostomy UK
Telephone: 0800 328 4257 (24 hours a day)
Email: hello
Website: colostomyuk.org
Ileostomy UK
Telephone: 0800 0184 724 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Website: iasupport.org
Please note: University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust cannot accept responsibility for information provided by external organisations.