What happens when I come in?

If you have been asked to attend the Macmillan acute oncology service we will already have access to your records. This will save a lot of time when you arrive.

Upon arrival, you will be assessed by the team which will usually involve taking:

• vital signs
• a history about the problem you have come in with
• a physical examination
• blood tests.

Depending on why you have come to us, you may also require other investigations, such as an x-ray.

We aim to treat everyone as quickly and as thoroughly as possible however, like the emergency department, people are seen in order of the urgency of their clinical condition.

Please note that the unit is currently staffed between 8am and 8pm. If your problem requires urgent treatment outside of these hours, arrangements will be made for you to be assessed by a member of the acute oncology team on one of the cancer care wards.

Our facilities

The unit has four assessment beds and a chair space, and is staffed by emergency nurse practitioners, trainee advanced nurse practitioners and acute oncology registrars.

We have priority access to radiology (for x-rays and scans) and pathology (for blood tests), to make sure we can assess you quickly.

If you need to be admitted to hospital, our priority will be to safely transfer you to the most appropriate cancer care ward area. If we assess you as safe for discharge, your cancer care consultant and GP will be informed within 24 hours.