Nurse Led Telephone Follow-up Clinic
Date issued: October 2023
For review: October 2025
Ref: Ref: D-280/SH/Oncology/Nurse led telephone follow up clinic v4
PDF: Nurse Led Telephone follow up clinic leaflet V4.pdf [pdf] 80KB
Who is this booklet for? This leaflet is for patients who have completed treatment for a gynaecological cancer. It explains what nurse led clinic follow-up is and how it may benefit you. It also explains what symptoms to look out for and aims to answer some common questions you may have.
What is nurse led follow-up?
Following your treatment for cancer, you have the option to be followed by the gynaecological Oncology Nurse Specialist, to support you in your ongoing recover. This follow up is undertaken by telephone and you will not need to attend the hospital.
What are the benefits?
We have looked at ways of improving our service to you and there is no evidence to suggest that attending a clinic has any benefits over a telephone based review.
Benefits of a nurse led follow up include:
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Avoiding further hospital visits may reduce anxiety that is often experienced around attending for a consultation.
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Being followed up by your nurse specialist provides continuity for you
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You have the opportunity to discuss any issues that you may be concerned about regarding your general well being
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By covering nursing issues as well as clinical issues we aim to provide you with a holistic approach to your care
What symptoms should I look out for?
There are common symptoms that can occur if your cancer returns. It is important to remember that we can all experience some of these symptoms from time to time, and it does not necessarily mean that your cancer has returned. Depending on the site of your cancer and the treatment you received, symptoms may include:
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Vaginal bleeding/discharge
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Bloating in tummy
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Persistent pelvic/tummy pains
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Bowel or bladder symptoms
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Unexplained weight loss/appetite changes
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Persistent tiredness
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Swelling in the legs
It is important for you to know that very few cancer recurrences are picked up at a clinic appointment alone, it is more likely that you will know if your cancer has come back due to symptoms that you are experiencing.
What does the follow up involve?
The nurse will have a series of relevant questions to ask you that will indicate if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
If there are any concerns raised during your telephone follow-up you can be reassured that you will have rapid access to a Consultant appointment.
How frequently will I be called?
For the first year you will be called every 3 months, in the second year you will be called every 4 months and then less frequently for up to 3 years.
Can I choose when I will be called?
Telephone clinics occur on Monday afternoon and Tuesday mornings. If the date is inconvenient then please call and we will rearrange your appointment.
How long should I allow for the call?
Please allow 15 minutes for the call.
Can I call the nurse between telephone appointments?
Yes, you will still be able to call the nurse specialist at any time between follow-up appointments if you have any concerns.
Gynaecological Oncology Nurse Specialists:
Nikki Calder
Stephanie Tunnicliff
Emma Cooper
Office telephone number: 01752 437296
A few useful websites:
Gynaecological Cancer Research Fund
Information prescriptions are now available online, which allow you to Create your own information packages with all the relevant materials that you need at various stages of your care.
