Acute Oncology Services (Eastern services)

We provide assessment and advice for cancer patients who have severe symptoms or are feeling unwell. Infections can develop rapidly so it is essential that you contact us as soon as possible.

We need to hear from you if:

  • You suddenly feel unwell
  • Your temperature is above 37.5 ̊C (99 ̊F)
  • Your temperature is below 35 ̊C (95 ̊F) 
  • You do not have a temperature but are feeling very unwell

Even very slight symptoms may require urgent treatment and must not be ignored. Please call the numbers provided below for the acute oncology service, not your GP. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

If in doubt, call for advice. We are here to help. 

More about us

We provide information and advice to patients and carers when a patient has:

    • Complications from Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatments (SACT) which includes chemotherapy and immunotherapy
    • Complications from radiotherapy
    • Complications from a known cancer
    • A newly diagnosed cancer
    • A Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP)
    • A suspected or confirmed Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

We aim to support you and help you access the care you need, whether this involves advising on how to manage side effects or making sure you are quickly referred to other specialities when required. 

The aims of our service are:

  • To provide advice on managing side effects
  • To reduce the number of investigations
  • To avoid admissions into hospital
  • To provide advice and support for clinical staff caring for cancer patients
  • To ensure rapid referral to other specialties as required
  • To make regular ward visits and reduce the length of stay if admitted into hospital
  • To ensure treatment is provided in a patients preferred place of care

The Acute Oncology Specialist Nurses have their own triage room and access to two other rooms to treat and observe unwell patients.

Our team consists of:

  • Acute Oncology Nurse Consultant
  • Acute Oncology Specialist Nurses
  • Acute Oncology Consultant
  • Acute Oncology Administrator/Auditor

 

Where to find us

You can find us within the Cancer Oncology Centre 

How to contact us

Where to find us

We are based at the Exeter Oncology Centre

Contact us

Please call the 24-hour patient advice line on 07825401059.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Please call us if you feel unwell. Hopefully, we will be able to help over the phone, but you may be asked to come into the unit or go straight to A&E.

Cancer treatment alert card

You may be given a cancer treatment alert card if you are having chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or other types of cancer treatment. 

It is important that you present this to the person providing your care.

Last updated: March 31, 2023

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