Gynaecological oncology multidisciplinary team (MDT)

It’s important that you understand what your treatment involves. Please feel free to ask us about any aspect of your care 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 have any questions about the written information, please ask us.

We understand that coming to a Cancer Centre can be very worrying. You may find it helpful to write down any questions you would like to ask us before your appointment and we will answer them when we see you.

We will do our best to see you promptly and as near to your appointment time as possible. But there may be times when the clinic runs behind schedule. This is usually because some of the consultations take longer than planned to make sure the patients’ needs are met. The clinic reception staff will keep you updated if this happens. You can also ask for an update if you are worried.

Macmillan support worker

The support workers work alongside the CNSs and are a consistent and additional point of contact for patients. The support workers are not medically qualified, so they are unable to give medical advice.

Instead, they can liaise with the relevant teams on your behalf. They can also help you with referrals to different support services, such as wig and scarf tying advice.

The support worker for gynaecological oncology will try to meet you on your first visit to UCLH to tell you about the services and support available.

Consultant radiologists

Consultant radiologists are specialists in examining and interpreting X-rays, CT and MRI scans, bone scans and other tests performed to confirm diagnosis.

Consultant histopathologists

Consultant histopathologists are specialists in examining tissue taken from biopsies or during operations performed to confirm diagnosis.

Other members of the MDT

There are other specialists, such as clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, and the palliative care team, who are part of the extended MDT. If you need to see any of these specialists, we will refer you.

The gynaecological oncology MDT meets every Tuesday afternoon to discuss the diagnosis and treatment plan of individual patients.

They make sure that each patient is given the same high standard of care and has the most appropriate tests and treatment.

After your diagnosis and treatment plan have been discussed at the MDT meeting, the recommendations are recorded in your notes. It is likely that an appointment will be made with your consultant and/or CNS to discuss this further. Or you may need to have more tests.

Sometimes it may be more appropriate to refer you to another specialist team. We will let you know if this is the case.

If you are currently receiving care at UCLH and need to speak to someone out of hours because of medical emergency, please go to your local Emergency Department (A&E) or ring the emergency number you received from your CNS.

If you are awaiting your first appointment at UCLH, go to your local A&E or ring the emergency number given to you by your local team or CNS.

As a large research centre, UCLH runs a range of research studies and clinical trials aimed at improving knowledge, treatment and outcomes in gynaecological oncology.

• Research studies usually involve giving a sample of blood or doing a questionnaire.
• Clinical trials may involve taking a new drug or having a new procedure.

Your doctor will talk to you about any research studies and clinical trials that may be suitable for you. If you choose to participate in a clinical trial, you will be supported by a research nurse/clinical trial practitioner. They will be your main contact during that time.

It is entirely up to you whether you wish to get involved. If you decide not to take part, or if you choose to withdraw at any time, your treatment may change but you can expect the same level of care.

Your GP will be informed of your diagnosis and will be included in all correspondence regarding your diagnosis, treatment and care. You will be automatically copied into this correspondence.

You will also be able to access your letters and information about your hospital appointments through our patient portal called MyCare UCLH. You will have a chance to sign up to it at your first appointment. Find out more.

If there is anything you don’t understand in the letters, or have any questions about the letters, please speak to your consultant at your next appointment or call your key worker.

If you do not wish to receive any correspondence, please tell your consultant or CNS.

The Macmillan Support and Information Service welcomes anyone affected by cancer or a blood condition, including family and friends. It offers:

• emotional support and practical advice (including welfare and benefits, and wig and scarf tying)
• a range of information resources, and a programme of support activities.

The Macmillan support and information team can support you at any stage of care – from diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond.

You don’t need an appointment to visit the service and the team will see you as quickly as possible.

Telephone: 020 3447 8663

Email: uclh.supportandinformation@nhs.net

Opening hours: 9.30am to 4.45pm, 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 University College Hospital 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.PALS@nhs.net

If you are unsure why you have been referred to UCLH, please contact your local hospital doctor or GP who will be able to explain their decision.

If you need to change your appointment, please call 020 3447 8636 as soon as possible.

If you have a query relating to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, please call 020 3447 8025 or 020 3447 8047.