Neuro Oncology - Neuro Oncology Multidisciplinary Team

Keyworker:

Keyworker Contact Number:

Keyworker:

Keyworker Contact Number:

Keyworker:

Keyworker Contact Number:

Hospital number (Salford Royal):

Hospital Number (The Christie):

Consultant Neurosurgeon:

Consultant Neurosurgeon Secretary:

Consultant Oncologist:

Consultant Oncologist Secretary:

Salford Royal Hospital Neuro Oncology MDT

Salford Royal hosts the only Neuro Oncology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting within Greater Manchester and Cheshire and receives referrals from 12 NHS Trusts.

The MDT consists of a team of professionals who specialise in brain and central nervous system tumours. The team members have expert knowledge and experience in treating patients with a brain or spinal tumour. They understand what these abnormalities look like, what the most appropriate treatments are and how they can affect each individual.

The MDT was established to ensure a timely, confidential, and seamless patient journey and meet every Tuesday morning to discuss all new and recurrent brain and spinal tumour patients. The MDT may also discuss existing patients imaging as required.

Salford Royal Hospital Neuro Oncology Team

You have been referred to the Neuro Oncology team because you have been diagnosed with an abnormality in your brain or spine.

All members of the team play a vital part in supporting you and your family through the pathway. This booklet explains the role of each member of the MDT and contains useful contact details should you have any further queries.

The Consultant Neurosurgeon

Is a doctor who specialises in operating on the brain and spine. They will discuss your scans with you and plan your treatment which may involve surgery if appropriate. If surgery is not the appropriate option for you, other treatments will be discussed.

The Neuro Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

This is a senior nurse with specialist expertise in the field of brain and central nervous system tumours. Your specialist nurse may also be referred to as your ‘keyworker’.

Your ‘keyworker’ will provide you with a link between all the people that may be involved in your care during your stay in hospital and back at home.

They provide support, information and advice for you and your family/carers.

The keyworker will:

• Meet with you before and after surgery
• Provide verbal and written information and answer any questions or concerns you may have
• Provide you with contact details (the specialist nurses only work office hours and do not work bank holidays or weekends)
• Provide information and advice with regards to support services available
• Provide nursing advice regarding aspects of your condition which may be difficult to cope with
• Provide a link/referral to other healthcare professionals where necessary
• Provide advice about medication and symptoms
• Provide information on local social services and benefit entitlements
• Advise and liaise with Palliative Care Teams within the hospitals and community as appropriate

There is a voicemail service where you can leave a message out of hours. The nurse will try to contact you as soon as possible although this may not be the same day.

MDT Co-ordinator

This is an administrator who is responsible for co-ordinating the running of the MDT meeting, collecting clinical information and scans and liaising with referring medical teams.

The Neuroradiologist

This is a doctor who specialises in looking at brain or spinal scans and is able to interpret them and provide a provisional diagnosis.

The Neuropathologist

This is a doctor who will be looking at your tumour under the microscope should you have a biopsy or an operation. He / she is responsible for providing a diagnosis that will guide the rest of the team towards deciding what treatment option is best for you. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘histology’ result.  Occasionally, obtaining a diagnosis may be challenging and your sample may be sent to another specialist centre for testing.

The Consultant Oncologist

This is a visiting doctor from The Christie Hospital who works closely with the Neurosurgeon in co-ordinating and undertaking any radiotherapy (x-ray treatment) and chemotherapy (drug treatment), if needed. They also liaise with Palliative care teams and advise on best supportive care if necessary.

Allied Health Professionals (AHP)

The specialist AHPs are therapists who specialise in rehabilitation for people with a diagnosis of a brain/spinal tumour. Their role is to identify rehab needs, help people to get access to services and work with local therapists to provide information, support and education.

The Consultant Neurologist

This is a doctor familiar with neurological disorders. He/she will provide specialist input for specific neurological symptoms such as Epilepsy.

The Neuropsychologist

This is a doctor who can address emotional difficulties you may experience as a result of your diagnosis. They are responsible for assessing cognitive functioning (memory and concentration).  They can also advise on how to manage these emotions and behavioural problems.

Useful contacts:

Epilepsy Action (British Epilepsy Association)
Helpline: 0808 800 5050
www.epilepsy.org.uk
Facebook: epilepsyaction
Twitter: @epilepsyaction

The Brain Tumour Charity
Freephone: 0808 800 0004
www.thebraintumourcharity.org
Facebook: thebraintumourcharity
Twitter: @BrainTumourOrg

Cancer Information Centre @ Christie
Call in or Telephone: 0161 446 8100

DVLA
Telephone: 0300 790 6801
www.dvla.gov.uk

Brainstrust
Telephone: 0198 329 2405
www.brainstrust.org.uk
Facebook: brainstrust
Twitter: @brainstrust
 
Macmillan Support line:
Free phone Helpline: 0800 808 0000 Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm
www.macmillan.org.uk
Provides free information and emotional support. Also have details of self-help groups nationwide. For information on financial help available, call Macmillan free on 0800 500 800
www.macmillan.org.uk/abetterdeal
Facebook: macmillancancer
Twitter: @macmillancancer

Christie @ Salford Macmillan Information and Support
Telephone: 0161 206 1455
Salford Royal Hospital
Stott Lane,
Salford, M6 8HD