Cancer nurse specialist
The cancer nurse specialist for cancer of the brain and central nervous system is Catharine James. Catharine's role is to provide support to each patient as they progress through their care pathway. She will walk you through each step of your journey, and is dedicated to providing you with a personal service.
Catharine is also there to provide you with relevant written information on your condition, to explain your treatment, and to answer any questions you may have. She works in partnership with ward staff to ensure that, where appropriate, referrals to other services, such as local community cancer and palliative care teams, are made.
Through Catharine, you will be able to access:
Up to date clinical information, for example through discussion, or through distribution of patient information leaflets and booklets
Practical advice and answers to your questions
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Emotional support
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Referral to other services (if appropriate) such as to community groups
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Advice on how to obtain Surgical Appliances, for example Wigs (link)
You can also discuss a variety of issues (depending on their relevancy to you) including:
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Surgery
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Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy
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Benefits/Financial Entitlement
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Other Support Services including social services, home and hospice care
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Emotional and Psychological support and counselling
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Symptom Management
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Fatigue Management
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Employment
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Driving and Holiday Travel
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Help with adaptations for the home/environmental aids
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Medications
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Local and national Support Groups
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Contact Point for other member so the team
Catharine works from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and is available to speak to either by phone or in person on these days. An answer machine service is available for when she is not in; if you leave a message she will return your call as soon as possible.
Contact Information
Direct Telephone: 01782 555 106 (answer machine service available for when Catharine is out of the office)
Pager Number (Via Hospital Switchboard): 01782 715 444