Welcome to Supported Self-Managed Follow-Up: Gynaecological Cancer
Why have you given me this information?
You have been given this information to explain Supported Self-Managed follow-up, which has been put in place for patients who have been treated for gynaecological 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 has 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 cancer.
What information will I be given?
In addition to this leaflet, you will be invited to take part in a Health and Wellbeing Information Support Workshop where you will be taught how to be body aware, including specific symptoms you should report to your Gynaecology 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
- Questionnaires for completion
- How to use the Helpline which gives you fast access to your gynaecology team if you need it
- The process your gynaecology team will follow if you need to be booked into clinic at any time in the future.
Are there any regular tests that I need to have?
Endometrial and Cervical - we will ask that you complete and return a health concerns questionnaire at various intervals.
Ovarian - you will be called for one of two blood tests at regular intervals called a CA125 or Inhibin B organised by UHMBT. We will also ask that you complete and return a health concerns questionnaire at various intervals.
Will I still be able to access the Gynaecology team in the event of concerns?
Yes. You can still call the Gynaecology team if you have any queries or problems, and you are encouraged to do so. Please see below for details of the numbers.
Cancer Support Worker - 07815464693
Clinical Nurse Specialist (RLI) - 07779423602
Clinical Nurse Specialist (FGH) - 07779423761
How the Helpline works
During the Health and Wellbeing Information and Support Workshop you will be given information on how to contact the team with any symptoms or concerns.
If you need to use these numbers please leave a short message including your name, hospital number, and telephone number on the answerphone. These are checked regularly from Monday to Friday 9am until 4pm and you will be phoned back by a member of the Gynaecology Team within 2 working days.
Initial contact will be routinely with your Cancer Support Worker. They will arrange any further support required after they have talked through the symptoms or concerns that you have identified with a member of the Clinical Team. If they feel that you need to be brought back to 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 email: macmillan.info@mbht.nhs.uk
Call their support line free on 0800 808 00 00 7 days a week 8am until 8pm
Or visit community.macmillan.org.uk.
Date published: 14/01/2022
Reference: lc00013435 / PIL179
Review date: 01/01/2025