Clinical nurse specialist

Former Member
Former Member
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Hi, my question would be at what point do you no longer contact your cns nurse for any queries you may have if not feeling well and do you just call the Gp to be seen ? 
Whilst my husband was going through therapy, the CNS nurse was our main contact but after the treatment finished we were told by her to contact the Gp and the oncologist would tell us to contact the CNS nurse, now when we do contact her she doesn’t call back so we are left with no choice to call the GP which sometimes is hard to get an appointment. Luckily we got one but we’re directed to a nurse to take bloods and then we would see a doctor if required. Fingers crossed my husband will be ok. 

  • Hi Asettle,

     

    I hope that your husband's appointment was helpful. If he has had chemotherapy within the last 6 weeks and has a temperature or is generally unwell, he may have an infection and you should contact his chemotherapy contact number if he has one or 111 for urgent advice.

    For more general advice when you can contact a nurse specialist (CNS), this may be slightly different in each hospital depending on the number of CNS available and what their role is.

    In general, when someone is at home the GP is the first point of contact for any health concerns. During cancer treatment a nurse specialist may be available or there may be a 24-hour contact number for urgent advice. Once treatment has finished the GP can become the first point of contact again. The GP can then get in touch with the hospital or advise your husband to do so if they think it is necessary.

    Sometimes people find it helpful to speak to us on the Macmillan Support Line to identify who is the most appropriate person to contact with their concerns.

    Whilst completing treatment can be a relief it is not unusual to miss the regular healthcare team contact, and the reassurance that brings. Your husband may find this booklet on life after cancer treatment and this information on emotions after treatment helpful.

    Coping after treatment will be more difficult if your husband is feeling unwell. We also have information on managing the late effects of head and neck cancer treatment.

    Once your husband’s current symptoms have been managed it may be helpful to have an appointment with his GP to discuss his current health and any concerns. Some GPs offer a Cancer Care Review appointment. Even if this is not routinely available a GP appointment may be helpful to talk through how your husband is feeling physically and emotionally after his treatment.

    It is important to remember that caring for someone with cancer can be physically and emotionally demanding so I hope that you are able to look after yourself as well.

     

    Best wishes

     

    Penelope, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/ SF

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