What is a HPB Specialist Nurse?
The Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary nurse is an experienced nurse who specialises in the care and support of people with disorders that affect the pancreas, liver, gall bladder, bile duct and duodenum. This can be in the nature of malignant (cancerous) or benign (non cancerous) disease.
The nurse works closely with the medical team and provides links with other healthcare professionals, both in the hospital and community to provide continuity of care.
The specialist nurse is based in the hospital mainly on the medical wards. They work along side both nursing and medical staff. You will also see them in the outpatients department, radiology and endoscopy unit. They are available to see patients before during and after diagnosis, investigations and treatment.
Some patients go to other hospitals for their treatment. If this is the case your key worker may change for the time you are under their care. In this case a new key worker will be issued and their contact details given at the hospital you attend. Your initial key worker will always continue to assist if at all required.
What does the service provide?
The specialist nurse is available to any patients undergoing any investigations, interventions and treatments for Hepatobiliary cancers and benign disease.
The service offers:
- Information about hepatobiliary cancers, staging investigations, interventions and other treatments
- Assessment of patients and appropriate referral to other healthcare professionals
- Time to discuss problems, investigations and treatments
- Information about other supportive organisations
- Ongoing advice and support for patients, their families and carers
- Information about other organisations and associations that may offer you help and support
- Offering you advice regarding benefits and other practical issues
- Communicating with others involved in your care
How do I contact the Hepato Biliary nurse?
If you’re in hospital ask the doctor or nurse to contact the Hepato-Biliary Nurse.
If you’re at home you can call 0161 206 1352 or 0161 206 8697 bleep through hospital switchboard.
Hospital switchboard: 0161 789 7373.
Alternative contact numbers: 07598 554682/07743 600553. Normal working hours 8-4pm Monday to Friday. We do not work weekends.
If you need advice outside these hours you can leave a message or contact the GP or Emergency Department. Bleep through hospital switchboard:
Your key worker is:
Other useful numbers and information
HPB Team at Salford Royal Dr Mc Murtry - Secretary: Jane Shea
HPB Clinical Specialist Nurse - gemma.graham@nca.nhs.uk
HPB Associate Specialist Nurse - laura.lester@nca.nhs.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support Centre – 0161 206 1455
Pancreatic Cancer UK – 020 3535 7090
Net Patient Foundation – 0800 434 6476
British Liver Trust – 0870 770 8028
Cancer of Unknown Primary Foundation – www.cupfoundjo.org
Date of Review: October 2023
Date of Next Review: October 2025
Ref No: PI_M_1165 (Salford)