Patient Information - Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialists for Gynae-Oncology Cancers
Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialists for Gynae-Oncology Cancers
Patient information leaflet
Gynaecology Cancer Services
Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road
Dartford
Kent
DA2 8DA
01322 428100 www.dgt.nhs.uk
Who are we?
We are Samantha and Leanne the
Macmillan Gynae-Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists based at Darent Valley Hospital. We are here to support you and those close to you throughout your illness and treatment. This leaflet will give you an idea of the different ways in which we may be able to help you, both now and in the future and provides details on how to contact us.
We will act as your Key Worker initially putting you in touch with different services, both in the hospital and when you are at home. Your Key Worker may change depending on your needs but this would be discussed with you.
If you need advice or information
We here to answer any questions you may have about your illness, or the tests you may need, and to discuss your treatment options with you. We will explain your treatment plan and what it will involve to ensure that you really understand what is happening at each stage. We can provide you with information and the details of different kinds of help available to you at each step of the way.
If you need a link between people
There will be a number of different people involved in your care and we can help by being a
‘link person’ improving communication between them so that things run as smoothly as possible. We can explain their different roles, and if you would like us to speak to any of them on your behalf we are happy to do so. There may be times during your treatment when you will need to be admitted to Darent Valley or maybe Maidstone Hospital. We will liaise closely with staff in all the hospitals to ensure continuity of care and will continue to support you wherever you are being treated.
If you need help managing your symptoms
At times your disease or the treatment may cause symptoms which are difficult to cope with. Part of our role is to assist you in managing these so that they have less impact on your daily life, allowing you to live as normal a life as possible. We can help to ensure that you are on the best medications for your needs and we can discuss practical interventions also make referrals as needed.
When you are at home
It is often after you have left the hospital that you think of things you should have asked or you may need further explanations. If you are concerned or are unwell at home please feel free to contact us during working hours. We will be able to offer advice or, if need be, arrange to see you.
If your family needs support
The people who love and care for you may need support with their feelings about your illness or information on how best to help you. Please make sure they see this leaflet and encourage them to get in touch, but let us know we have your permission.
Who else can help?
We can put you in touch with people who can advise you about financial concerns or benefit advice or any of the things that worry you on a day to day basis.
All cancer patients are entitled to free prescriptions. Ask your GP for an FP92A form to claim. We advise you to keep your GP up to date with your situation so they can support you at home. If you are having difficulties coping at home with looking after yourself contacting your GP or District Nursing Service may help you, as well as, Social Services for increased care. If your condition and needs are appropriate we can refer you to palliative care. Palliative care helps patients with advanced progressive illness (helping manage pain, other symptoms, emotional, social and spiritual support and end of life care), to aim for the best quality of life for patients and their families.There are also a number of other charitable organisations available, to offer you support and advice, and these are listed on the reverse of this leaflet.
How to contact us
Our working hours are 09:30-13:30 Monday and 08:00 - 17:00 Tuesday to Friday.
Bleep 650 or Extension 4783 via the hospital switchboard 01322 428100.
E-mail addresses: samantha.daniels2@nhs.net or leanne.warren@nhs.net
Support available
Macmillan Cancer Support
This charity provides support and free information books about cancer and the different treatments available. They also offer a counselling service and information on complementary therapies. Freephone: 0808 808 0000
Website: www.be.macmillan.org.uk
Ovacome
Ovacome is a support network specifically for people with ovarian cancer. They can inform you of local support groups, centres and online forums. Freephone: 0800 008 7054
Website: www.ovacome.org.uk
Financial advice
Macmillan Benefits Enquiry Line
Freephone: 0800 882 200
Citizens Advice
Telephone: 03444 111 444
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Palliative and Hospice Care
The Ellenor
Telephone: 01474 538508
Website: www.ellenor.org
Greenwich and Bexley
Community Hospice
Telephone: 020 8312 2244
Website: www.communityhospice.org.uk
This leaflet has been developed in partnership with the Patient Information Group and our DGT Patient Partners
Patient Information
Further patient leaflets are available from the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust website: https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-leaflets Please ask a member of staff if you require information in another language or format.
Complaints, Comments, Concerns and Compliments
Please speak to the staff in the ward or department caring for you if you have any concerns or questions relating to your care or that of a loved one.
Compliments can be shared by visiting: https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/contact-us/compliments
Alternatively, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01322 428382 Email: dgn-tr.PALS@nhs.net
Patient Property
Please do not bring large sums of money or valuable items into the hospital. Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust accepts no responsibility for the loss or damage to personal property unless it is handed into Trust staff for safe-keeping.
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust operate smoke-free hospitals. This means that smoking is not permitted anywhere on hospital grounds. For help to quit smoking please visit www.kentcht.nhs.uk/service/one-you-smokefree/
Use of alcohol or illicit drugs is not permitted anywhere on the hospital site. For drug and alcohol support please speak to your nurse or doctor or
Visit: www.changegrowlive.org/westkent/help
Call: 0330 128 1113
Reference Number:
First published: Last Reviewed: Next review date:
[date] [July 24] [July 26]