Acute oncology service
Emergency assessment service for patients receiving active cancer treatment
Feel unwell?
Receiving cancer treatment and feel unwell? Contact the acute oncology helpline.
The acute oncology team support cancer patients who are acutely unwell due to complications of their cancer or treatment. The team review acute oncology patients on the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre (SROMC) at Harrogate District Hospital, and will also see patients in the Emergency Department or on the wards of they have been admitted to hospital as an emergency due to their cancer or treatment.
The team works closely with admitting doctors and cancer specialist teams and help coordinate and streamline patient care whilst in hospital.
Acute oncology complications
Oncology Helpline
24-hour treatment alert line: 01423 555444
Patients who are receiving Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT) such as chemotherapy are advised to contact the 24-hour treatment alert line for advice if they are unwell with acute oncology complications. The complications can include:
- Having a temperature (>37.5C)
- Shivering and shaking
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea / vomiting
Patients may be asked to attend the SROMC for assessment or if out of hours they may be asked to attend a ward. If complaining of specific symptoms such as chest pain they may be directed to the Emergency Department.
For more information about sepsis please visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website.
For more information about malignant spinal cord compression please visit the Macmillan Cancer Support page.
Treating high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcaemia)
For more information about hypercalcaemia visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website.
Side effects of immunotherapy
For more information about the side effects of immunotherapy please visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website.
Chemotherapy can cause various other side effects which can include:
- nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
- constipation
- loss of appetite
- taste changes
- mouth problems
To read more about these side effects please visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website.
Before starting treatment
Your cancer doctor will talk to you about your cancer, treatment options and side effects. This is important for you to understand so you can fully consent to having treatment for your cancer.
You will also be given information and the contact details for the 24-hour acute oncology helpline (01423 555444). You must call this number immediately if you become unwell while you are receiving Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT).
Meet our Multidisciplinary Team
Acute oncology is made up of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) who work together to identify the best course of treatment for each patient.
Find out more about the acute oncology multidisciplinary team.
Your health and wellbeing
We know that living with cancer has repercussions beyond treating the cancer itself. Your mental health, your financial situation, the disruption to your family life are all important issues. The help we provide extends far beyond medical treatment. Check our range of support services and get the help you need.
