Colorectal cancer surgery

The colorectal cancer surgeons at UHSussex provide elective colorectal and lower GI cancer surgery and stoma reversal surgery.

The overall aim of the department is to operate a centre of excellence for colorectal cancer surgery delivered across at Worthing and St Richard’s hospitals.

The surgeons work as part of a well-established multidisciplinary team in a number of different disease groups that function to provide optimum patient care and experience.

In addition, we provide a high-quality training experience to trainees in surgery and specialist nursing roles.

We have an established Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) programme in place at both Worthing and St Richard’s Hospitals, which supports improved patient experience and helps to achieve better outcomes.

Where we provide treatment

Major surgery is carried out at Worthing and St Richard’s Hospitals.

Endoscopy and biopsy services operate from Worthing, St Richards, Princess Royal and Royal Sussex County Hospitals.

Who we are

Colorectal cancer surgeons

Enhanced recovery team

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS)

If you are coming into hospital for bowel surgery you will be informed about our Enhanced Recovery Programme (known locally as ERP).

Our aim is to work together with you to achieve a straightforward recovery and enable you to return home safely between 2-6 days, depending on the type of surgical procedure that you have.

The programme involves a close working relationship between many different healthcare professionals including surgeons, anaesthetists, specialist nurses, ward staff, dietitians and physiotherapists who will be focusing on your enhanced recovery after surgery. With your participation and using current evidence-based practice, we hope to get you safely ready for discharge.

Enhanced recovery aims to ensure:

You are in the best possible condition for having surgery
You receive the best possible management during and after your operation
You experience the best possible rehabilitation after your surgery

Our aim is to educate and motivate patients to play an active part in their recovery. You will meet an Enhanced Recovery Nurse when you attend the hospital for your surgical pre-assessment, and the programme will be fully explained.

Each day you are in hospital after your operation, there are certain goals we would like you to achieve. These include early mobilisation (moving around), early nutrition, ensuring that you are as comfortable as possible and helping us to monitor your progress.

Each person is an individual and will recover at a different rate. The Enhanced Recovery Nurses will be around to support your recovery in hospital, and available by telephone or email if any advice needed following your return home.

Enhanced recovery contacts

St Richard's Hospital

Debbie Greenfield – Enhanced Recovery Nurse Facilitator 01243 788122 Ext. 32374

Worthing Hospital

Jayne Mundy – Advanced Clinical Practitioner 01903 205111 Ext. 84986

Cat Olliver – Enhanced Recovery Nurse Facilitator 01903 205111 Ext. 86432

Stoma care

The Stoma Care Service offers specialist support for anyone with a stoma (and their relatives) and for those who may require stoma forming surgery. We offer information, support, practical care, teaching and advice before and after surgery.

The stoma team are based at St Richard’s, Worthing and Royal Sussex County hospitals.