Head and neck cancer clinics launched in Cromer
It means patients in North Norfolk won't have to make such long journeys for treatment
Two new clinics are launching for head and neck cancer patients in North Norfolk.
They'll be held at Cromer Hospital and will involve specialists from the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
One is a nurse-led clinic focusing on general well-being, ongoing assessment, giving advice, and aimed at helping patients with their ongoing management of their condition.
The other is a consultant-led clinic run for patients needing more expert clinical input such as a review of any change in their cancer status, or who need more exploratory work or follow-up procedures.
They'll be based in the new Macmillan Centre in Cromer, meaning patients living in North Norfolk no longer have to travel to the N&N for follow-ups clinics, making clinics more accessible.
It's hoped there will also be shorter waiting times as the clinics involve fewer patients and the Cromer clinics free up valuable space at the main hospital site where follow-up clinics also take place.
It is hoped that once the clinics are more established, the nurse specialists will undertake training to be able to carry out some clinical procedures such as nasal endoscopies which will also speed up patients’ ongoing care issues.
There are also plans for nurse-led clinics to be implemented at the Norfolk and Norwich which does not currently have a dedicated Head and Neck department.
The learning in Cromer will be used to inform best practice at the N&N when setting up new clinics.