Everyone's cancer journey is different and we understand that it is a very worrying time. We are here to make sure this is as positive an experience as possible.
Our Cancer Pathway Navigators are the first point of contact for patients, families, and carers on a suspected cancer pathway. Navigators will often be part of the patient’s pathway from point of referral up to their diagnosis, but for some patients this could be up to and beyond their first treatment.
Navigators work alongside the clinical teams to help to co-ordinate appointments and investigations, ensuring their timeliness. The Navigators will help monitor your progress during the early stages of the cancer pathway, aiming to confirm a cancer diagnosis or rule out cancer within 28 days.
Our Navigators are able to answer questions and concerns regarding appointments, investigations and can provide support and guidance should the patient have any concerns or issues that may prevent them attending hospital dates. You should be given your Pathway Navigator's details at your first appointment.
The below provides a brief summary of what you may expect:
- If you visit your GP and you are worried about certain symptoms, your GP may refer you to the hospital on a suspected cancer pathway or to see a specialist team.
- This referral will be processed via the Rapid Referral Office/Central Booking Team, who will look to ensure you are booked in for an appointment (whether that be an outpatient appointment or a test, such as a scan or endoscopy). Sometimes we will need to phone your GP for some extra information. You will need to make sure that you are available and willing to be seen by the hospital during this time.
- Once you have been referred, you will be monitored via a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) co-ordinator, who will follow your journey from referral to treatment. They will be behind the scenes looking to make sure that you receive your appointments as quickly as possible.
- Some people will be discharged after their first appointment. Others may need to be booked to have some tests to help work out whether they have cancer or not. These will vary depending on which specialist team is managing your care. Again, please make sure you are willing and able to attend hospital for these tests, but if you are on holiday or unable to get time off work for example, please make sure the relevant booking team is aware as soon as possible so we can find you an alternative date.
- Once your tests have been reported, the findings will be discussed at a Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) meeting. This is attended weekly by a range of specialists including Consultant Surgeons/Physicians, Radiologists, Histopathologists and Clinical Nurse Specialists, for example. This team will then work out what the next steps are for you.
- If you are diagnosed with cancer, your Consultant, Nursing Team and Cancer Support Worker will be available to help you. They will talk through treatment options with you and help you with any concerns or questions you may have.
- Once you have decided to proceed with treatment, this will be arranged by the hospital. Most treatment is undertaken here at Salisbury District Hospital, whereas other more specialist treatment, such as Radiotherapy, needs to be provided at other hospitals such as Southampton for example. This will be explained to you fully when you meet with your Consultant.
- You will receive your treatment as agreed by yourself and your Consultant.
- Following your treatment, you will be on a period of 'follow-up' and you will be booked for appointments in the future to make sure that you are doing well. If you don't receive a follow-up appointment, please contact the Central Booking department immediately on 01722 345543.
If you are worried, unsure or have any questions relating to your diagnosis or treatment, please do not hesitate to contact the Cancer Support Team on 01722 336262, extension 2417 and they will be able to help.
