The acute oncology service (AOS) provides specialist oncology advice and early decision-making support for clinical colleagues. The service also supports oncology patients admitted to hospital.
What is the role of the acute oncology team?
- To provide specialist advice and support for medical staff when managing an unwell oncology patient
- To facilitate the appropriate triage of patients to avoid unnecessary admission to hospital
- To improve patient outcomes and reduce length of stay through timely and appropriate investigation and fast-track outpatient clinics
- To facilitate improved access to palliative care and oncology services
- To provide information and support to our patients to improve their experience
- Provide education and training to staff involved in acute cancer care
Our patients
The team review and advise on managing patients presenting with an acute problem, and have symptoms caused by the following:
- Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT)
- Radiotherapy
- Malignant disease
- A previously undiagnosed cancer where an urgent oncology assessment is required
- A new suspected malignancy (cancer) of unknown origin (MUO)
Urgent patient advice line (UKONS)
UKONS is a triage line that provides 24-hour advice to patients receiving any type of anti-cancer therapy.
Patients will receive appropriate and consistent advice, allowing for the early recognition of potential emergencies and side effects of treatment. The advice line aims to:
- Improve patient safety
- Patient satisfaction
- Documentation
- Avoid unnecessary admission
- Facilitate appropriate admission/outpatient review
Contact details
The acute oncology/Williams Day Unit nursing team have been trained to use the UKONS triage tool.
- Phone number:
- 07932 528323
- Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday between 8am to 6pm for advice.
- Out of hours advice (held by North Middlesex Oncology team):
- 07423459076
- Out of hours Advice:
- Monday to Friday after 6pm, weekends and bank holidays.
Blood transfusion
A blood transfusion is a procedure in which donated blood or blood components are given to you through an intravenous line (a plastic tube) connected to a needle inserted into a vein.
You may need a blood transfusion at the Williams Day Unit for reasons including:
- To treat anaemia caused by your SACT treatment
- Due to your haematological condition