The Acute Oncology Team are a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) which is made up of Consultant Oncologists (Medical and Clinical), Consultant Haematologists and Clinical Nurse Specialists with advanced skills such as independent prescribing. The Acute Oncology team is also supported by a Macmillan Cancer Care Coordinator, who provides an important link between the Acute Oncology team and patients.
The Acute oncology service
The Acute Oncology team support cancer patients who are acutely unwell due to complications of their cancer or their treatment. The team review Acute Oncology patients on the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre (SROMC) at Harrogate District Hospital, and will also see patients in the Emergency Department or on the wards if they have been admitted to hospital as an emergency due to their cancer or treatment.
The team works closely with admitting doctors and cancer specialist teams and help coordinate and streamline patient care whilst in hospital.
What are acute oncology complications?
The Acute Oncology team care for patients with a number of complications including:
- Neutropenic sepsis
- Malignant Spinal Cord Compression (MSCC)
- Malignant hypercalceamia (high calcium)
- Immunotherapy related toxicities
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea caused by chemotherapy
For more information on the above, please follow the relevant links.
The team also supports patients who have been referred to the Malignancy of unknown Origin (MUO) / Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) service. These services are for patients who have been identified as having a possible secondary cancer on imaging with no obvious primary cancer.
The CUP and MUO teams will see patients in clinic or on the inpatient wards as necessary. For more information on the CUP/MUO please follow this link.
Oncology helpline
24 hour treatment alert line: 01423 555444
Patients who are receiving Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT) such as Chemotherapy are advised to contact the 24 hour treatment alert line for advice if they are unwell with acute oncology complications. These complications can include;
- Having a temperature (>37.5°C)
- Shivering and shaking
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea/ vomiting
Patients may be asked to attend the SROMC for assessment or if out of hours they may be asked to attend a ward. If complaining of specific symptoms such as chest pain they may be directed to the Emergency Department.
If you are starting SACT treatment, it is always helpful to consider what you may require as your support ‘back up’ if you become unwell and require assessment as this can often be a worrying or stressful time. Support plans can include:
- How would you get to hospital at short notice?
- Who would provide childcare?
- Who would look after the pets?
- Do you have a list of up to date medication to hand?
Please note we are unable to accept ‘walk in’ patients on the SROMC – patients must contact the Oncology Helpline first prior to attending.
If you are asked to attend the SROMC for assessment please allow sufficient time to enable the team to carry out the required investigations and treatment. The team will advise regarding times when they make the appointment with you.
Contact details
Acute Oncology office, Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre
Tel: 01423 557329 (Do not call this number in an emergency, use the Oncology helpline)
Current Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm