Colorectal - Macmillan Colorectal Nurse Specialist

Colorectal/Bowel cancer what does it mean?

Colorectal cancer is the growth of abnormal cells within the colon/rectum (large bowel) that could spread to other parts of your body.

Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK. Almost 44,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK

Colorectal Specialist Nurse/key worker

You have been referred to the colorectal nursing team with a suspected or proven diagnosis of bowel cancer.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is life changing. During this time, you and your family may experience a mixture of emotions, and your key worker will be there to support you through this process.

Although there may be other health care professionals involved in your care, one of our colorectal nurses will be identified as your key worker. The colorectal nurse specialist is an experienced nurse who specialises in the care and support of colorectal cancer patients. Our colorectal nurses at Salford Royal hospital will support you through your diagnosis, treatment and aftercare. We are based in the hospital and provide services within an inpatient and outpatient setting.

How do I contact the colorectal specialist nurse?

We are available to be contacted for advice or support Monday to Friday 9am - 4.30pm. If no one is able to take your call due to other clinical commitments, you can leave a message and we will aim to return your call within 2 working days.
Direct number: 0161 206 1249
Email: colorectalnurseSCO@nca.nhs.uk

The role of your key worker and how we can support you

• Central point of contact
• Co-ordinate your care
• Work with other healthcare professionals to support you
• Giving information to prepare you for any investigations and treatment you may require
• Provide ongoing support, advice and information. We are available to discuss your care and treatment with you
• Provide advice on managing any symptoms you may have because of your disease or treatment
• Provide information about other services that may offer you help and support
• Provide support for both you and your family

How is your care planned?

Cancer treatment is often complex and individualised to your needs. While diagnosing your disease, you will undergo a series of investigations. The colorectal nursing team will co-ordinate these investigations and arrange for them to be reviewed by a team of Bowel Cancer Specialists (known as the Colorectal Multidisciplinary Team or MDT). The team consists of: colorectal surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, pathologist, endoscopist, stoma nurse and colorectal nurses.

The nursing team will discuss with you, prior to an MDT meeting how you would like to receive your diagnosis. This can be in the setting of a phone call at home by one of our colorectal nurses following MDT discussion or a face to face consultant clinic appointment, you will be supported by one of the colorectal specialist nurses. If you would prefer a phone call we aim to do this within 24 hours following discussion at the MDT.

Useful contact details

Colorectal Consultant secretaries
Telephone switchboard on 0161 789 7373

The Macmillan Information Centre in the Hope building
Telephone 0161 206 1455

Bowel cancer - UK
Telephone 020 79401760

Macmillan Cancer Support Line
0808 808 0000