Welcome to Supported Self-Managed Follow Up (Colorectal)
Why have you given/directed me to this leaflet?
You have been given this leaflet to explain Supported Self-Managed follow up, which has been put in place for patients who have been treated for colorectal cancer.
What is Supported Self-Managed follow up?
Supported Self-Management is a new type of follow-up at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay (UHMBT). It is where routine, clinical examination type appointments are replaced by a system where patients can call us when they have a problem. Supported Self- Management is about giving you control of your follow up.
Why have you introduced Supported Self- Managed follow up?
We have introduced Supported Self-Managed follow up as it has been shown to be better for patients. It means that you don’t have to attend appointments at hospital at times when you are feeling perfectly well and symptom free. Also, it’s been proven that new problems are unlikely to be picked up by clinical examination alone. Most are identified by patients themselves, in between routine appointments.
Is UHMBT the only hospital to have Supported Self-Managed follow up?
No (although it may be called different things in different places). More and more hospitals across the country are changing the way patients are followed up after treatment for colorectal cancer.
What information will I be given?
In addition to this leaflet, you will be invited to a Supported Self Managed clinic and to take part in Health and Wellbeing Information Support where you will be taught how to be body and bowel aware, including specific symptoms you should report to your colorectal team without delay.
- You will be given information on:
- Understanding Supported Self-Managed care;
- Coping with additional treatments;
- Signs and symptoms to look out for;
- Diet and exercise;
- Arrangements for blood tests, annual CT scans and colonoscopies;
- How to use the Helpline which gives you fast access to your colorectal team if you need it;
- The process your colorectal team will follow if you need to be booked back into clinic at any time in the future.
Are there any regular tests that I may need to have?
Yes. Unless otherwise specified following your treatment, you will be called for a colonoscopy one year after surgery and four years after surgery as part of your ongoing surveillance. You will also have a CT scan at one year and two years post-surgery, plus regular blood tests (CEA). These will be organised by UHMBT as part of your ongoing follow up.
Will I still be able to access the colorectal team in the event of concerns?
Yes. You can call the colorectal team on the dedicated Helpline if you have any queries or problems, and you're encouraged to do so. Please see below for details of the Helpline.
How the Helpline works:
During the Supported Self-Managed follow up clinic you will be informed of how the Helpline works and be given a direct telephone number on which you can contact the team with any symptoms or concerns (01524 516058).
If you need to ring this number, please choose the option for Cancer Support Worker on the self navigation options. Please leave a short message including your name, hospital number and telephone number on the answer phone.
This is checked regularly from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm and you will be phoned back by a member of the colorectal team within one working day.
Initial contact will routinely be with your Cancer Support Worker, who will arrange any further support required after they have talked through the symptoms or concerns that you have identified. If they feel you need to be brought back into clinic or have any further diagnostic tests, then you will be offered a clinic appointment within 14 days of phoning the Helpline.
Macmillan Cancer Support
If you need more help you can also contact the cancer support specialists from Macmillan.
Macmillan Information and Support Service Hub: Tel: 01524 519578 or e-mail:macmillan.info@mbht.nhs.uk
Call their support line free on0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
Or visit community.macmillan.org.uk. Their online community is a place where you can talk to others for help and support.