Acute oncology services (Northern services)

Acute Oncology focuses on the management of patients that present with complications from their cancer diagnosis or treatment, it also includes the management of patients who present with a new acute cancer diagnosis.

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

Where to find us

is based in the Seamoor Unit, Level 1, North Devon District Hospital.

The Seamoor Unit is a new building which can be reached from within the hospital or has

its own separate access with automatic doors to the outside. As you come into the hospital

grounds, the Seamoor Unit is sign-posted to the right just before the accident and emergency entrance. Follow the road down and it is on the left. There is a drop-off area but no parking spaces, so patients and visitors must park at the main visitor car park.

What should I do if I feel unwell or have any symptoms?

If you feel unwell and/or you are experiencing any of the symptoms on your yellow Systemic Anti-cancer Treatment Alert (SACT) card or Immunotherapy alert card, please call us. You will either be put straight through to the nurses or your telephone number will be taken and a brief description of the reason for telephoning.

The nurses will return your call when they are free. The problem may be resolved over the telephone but you may be asked to come into the unit, or go straight to accident and emergency department if it is more urgent.

When you should contact us:-

  • You suddenly feel unwell
  • Your temperature is above 37.5 ̊C (99 ̊F)
  • Your temperature is below 36 ̊C (96.8 ̊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.

 

Immunotherapy cardalert card

 

Last updated: March 31, 2023

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