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Information for Patients
What is this information about?
The Haematology Department specialises in caring for people who have blood cancer.
This information is about the Haematology Department’s Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
It explains:
- what an MDT is and what it does
- which types of hospital staff make up the Haematology MDT
- what role the different members of the Haematology MDT have in your care
- what you can expect from the MDT
- how your ‘key worker’ can help you
- where you can find further information.
Why have I been given this information?
You have been given this information because you are having treatment delivered by the Haematology Department. The Haematology MDT will be responsible for your care.
Reading this information will help you to understand how the MDT works and what to expect from it.
What is a multidisciplinary team (MDT)?
An MDT is a team of different health experts who work together to help you. They share their knowledge to make sure your care and treatment are right for you. You will be fully involved with the MDT in making decisions about your treatment and care.
What does the Haematology MDT do?
Your haematology consultant oversees your care, but the MDT plans your care and makes sure all aspects of your condition are reviewed carefully.
The MDT meets each week (on Mondays other than bank holidays) to talk and make decisions about caring for people who have cancer or who the MDT think may have cancer. After they receive the results of tests that are important in helping to decide on a diagnosis or treatment, they:
- review the results of tests and investigations such as blood tests or scans
- check how well treatment is working
- discuss your condition and care
- agree on the best care plan for you.
Which different specialists are members of the multidisciplinary team?
Together, these different professionals make up the MDT:
1. Haemato-oncologist (blood cancer Consultant)
A consultant oncologist specialises in treating blood cancer with a variety of medications and other treatments.
2. Radiologist
A consultant radiologist specialises in diagnosing cancer from tests such as CT scans, PET/CT scans and X-rays. These tests and X-rays may be done at your local hospital. PET scans are done at different hospitals, which may not be your local hospital.
3. Histopathologist
A consultant for histopathologist specialises in finding out the type of cancer you may have from looking at and testing tissue samples (samples of your body’s cells often taken in a biopsy). The results will be discussed by the MDT.
4. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
A clinical nurse specialist provides the information, advice and support that you need during your diagnosis and treatment. They are usually your ‘key worker’ and main point of contact while you are having treatment at the hospital. They represent your views at the MDT (act as your advocate).
5. Macmillan Cancer Support Worker
Your Macmillan Cancer Support Worker works with the Clinical Nurse Specialist to help you with your non-clinical needs. This might be helpful with things such as financial concerns, finding support groups, or how to talk with people you know about your cancer. They offer practical, emotional, and social support to meet aspects of your holistic needs.
6. Research Nurse
A research nurse supports patients who are taking part in clinical trials. If a clinical trial might be right for you, the MDT may ask a research nurse to speak with you so you can learn more about it.
The MDT is involved in a range of clinical research studies. If we do not speak with you about taking part in clinical trials, you are welcome to ask us for more information.
Be aware
not all trials will be suitable for every patient.
7. MDT Team Patient Pathway Coordinator
A patient pathway facilitator coordinator organises the MDT meeting. They are not involved directly in your clinical care. If you have any questions about this, please contact your consultant’s secretary.
8. Other Members of the MDT
You may be sent (referred) to other members of the MDT. This will depend on your needs and symptoms. Other members of the team include palliative care and radiotherapists.
What can I expect from the MDT?
- The team will create a plan for your treatment that they think is right for you. At your next outpatient appointment, they will talk with you about the proposed treatment plan. Do ask any questions or raise any concerns that you have about the plan. You can ask for details about your diagnosis, the plan, and your care if you wish.
You are always welcome to bring someone like a family member or friend with you to your consultant review appointments. They can be there simply to support you, or you might want them to do things such as take notes or ask for further information.
- A CNS will offer you information about your care and treatment. This includes giving you details of local and national support services.
- The MDT will talk about any concerns with your condition or progress as often as is needed.
- You will be able to talk about your progress at your ‘clinical review’ appointments which you will have as an outpatient.
- The MDT will update your GP about your care and treatment.
How will my key worker help me?
Your key worker is a member of the MDT who:
- will talk with you about the treatment plan that the MDT proposes for you.
- is your first point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan or care.
- coordinates your care across different services.
- sign-posts (directs) you to other services that you may need.
They are most likely to be CNS but could be another member of the MDT such as a Trial Nurse or a Cancer Support Worker.
At UHSussex, the Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialists are also known as Macmillan Haematology Nurse Specialists.
Who should I contact for advice and support?
- In normal working hours please contact your key worker or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
- Outside of working hours, please contact your GP or call NHS 111.
Be aware:
– if you are having treatment and are worried about your health, please call the 24/7 (24 hours a day ,7 days a week) helpline number you were given.
– you (or other people) should not contact the CNS for emergencies or leave urgent messages on their voicemail.
Will the information you have about me be kept confidential?
Yes. All information regarding your tests, diagnosis and treatment plan will be treated in confidence. Only members of the MDT and other professionals involved in your care will have access to your medical information.
Will data about me will be protected?
Yes. Your personal data is handled as the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2021 say it must be.
Where can I get more information?
For information about your cancer and its treatment, please contact your key worker.
Further Help and Support
If you would like further support, you are welcome to visit the Macmillan Information and Support Centres, which are near our day units. Please speak to your Key Worker for directions or more information.
Which websites can I use to find further reliable information?
Lymphoma Action Myeloma UK Leukaemia Care Macmillan Cancer Support Macmillan Horizon Centre Blood Cancer UK | We’re here to beat blood cancer MPN (myeloproliferative neoplasms) Voice – mpnvoice.org.uk MDS UK | Support & Info For MDS (myelodysplastic syndromes) & CMML (chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia) Patients & FamiliesHow can I decide if other health information I find online is reliable?
Our information on How to find reliable information online can help you to decide or you can ask your key worker.
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Today’s research is tomorrow’s treatments. That’s why UHSx is proud to be a research-active Trust. Find out how you can get involved.
Visit our website www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/research-and-innovation/information-for-patients-and-public or scan the QR code: 