Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
The Gynaecology CNS works specifically with patients who have suspected or diagnosed gynaecological cancers and their
families. Your CNS (or Key Worker) helps to co-ordinate and provide you with continuity of care. They do this by acting as a link between you and the various hospital staff and departments involved in your treatment, as well as between other specialist hospitals and teams, and community services. The nurse will assist in arranging any further investigations and can be available to explain these tests.
The nurse is able to offer increased levels of support, advice and guidance to patients suspected of either having or diagnosed with a Gynaecological cancer. lt can be a very difficult time when the
possibility of having cancer is mentioned and you may experience a wide range of emotions when a diagnosis is confirmed. Sometimes, it is difficult to remember everything that you have
been told during your hospital visit and you may find it useful to have someone to talk to again. lt may be that you feel you need more information about your illness, the proposed treatment and
what to expect in the future, or you may wish to have the opportunity to talk about how you are feeling.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or Key Worker:
Your Key Worker is available to answer any questions, discuss any worries or concerns you may have and to talk with you about the feelings you may be experiencing. They are happy to see you by yourself or with your partner, a friend or relative. If they are not able to answer all your questions, they can put you in touch with someone else who may be able to help.
All patients suspected or diagnosed with a cancer have access to a Clinical Nurse Specialist. The nurse may be present with a Consultant when the explanation of a diagnosis of cancer is given, and you will be advised of a plan recommended by the multidisciplinary team (MDT). If the Specialist Nurse is unable to be present during the discussion of your diagnosis, you will be offered information about how to contact her.
You may see your CNS in the ward, Emergency Department (A&E), Chemotherapy day unit or in outpatients. If you are having radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery at another hospital you may meet their local CNS / Specialist Nurse.
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)
The MDT is a group of experts who meet regularly to review cases of a suspected or confirmed cancer diagnosis and utilise the team’s knowledge to establish a treatment and/or care plan
individual to you.
The Gynaecology MDT meeting occurs weekly on Mondays (except Bank Holidays).
The MDT includes Consultants and Specialists in Gynaecology Surgery, Oncology, Radiology, Cytology & Histopathology and the CNS. The CNS attends as a core member to represent you and your views.
We may refer patients to a specialist MDT either for their advice or for treatment. You may be referred to either Mount Vernon Hospital or Queen Charlotte’s Hospital at Hammersmith, depending on the type of cancer and the treatment required.
Your personal treatment plan is then communicated to all those involved in your care to ensure it is holistic. This may include community carers, District Nurses and GPs to ensure continuity of your care is maintained and information to help support you is shared.
Booklets with general information about specific gynaecological cancers are available, as are details of local and national support resources. If these are not offered to you they are available on request. Leaflets giving specific information about particular tests or treatments are also available.
Contact details
The CNS service is available between 8.30 am and 4.00 pm, Monday – Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). During Bank Holidays, weekends and out of hours please contact the out of hours GP or A&E Department depending on the situation and its urgency.
Appointments to see your key worker for a one-to-one consultation can also be arranged via these contact details.
You can leave messages for your CNS by contacting the Macmillan Cancer Navigators Service. It may not be possible to respond to messages immediately. Messages left during working hours will be responded to within 24 hours. Those left over weekends and bank holidays will be responded to within 24 hours or on the next working day.
Gynaecology CNS: Kelly Webster and Sarah Nolan
Macmillan Cancer Navigators: 0300 613 3535
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Cancer care service.
About this information
Service:
Cancer care
Reference:
HH/029
Approval date:
15 January 2026
Review date:
1 January 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.