Upper Gastrointestinal Clinical Nurse Specialists

Upper Gastrointestinal Clinical Nurse Specialist Team

The Upper Gastrointestinal Clinical Nurse Specialists are experts in cancer care; we work as part of the Cancer Support Team. We can answer your questions and give you information about your diagnosis, treatment, and support available during and after your care. The nurses are Clodagh Hershbein, Lydia Gibbons, and Maria Jimenez.

Cancer Support Worker (CSW) 

The Cancer Support Team also has Support Workers. They are trained to provide support and information about physical, emotional, and practical concerns to help you self-manage your recovery and return to a healthy a lifestyle as soon as possible. Our Cancer support worker is Tina Cordy.

What we offer

• Nurse-led clinics.
• Personalised information about treatment options.
• Education and self-management guidance.
• Sign-posting to other agencies.
• Referrals to other specialist teams.
• Phone advice and support.
• Follow up support clinics.

Personalised Care and Support Planning (PCSP)

Personalised Care and Support Planning is a conversation and assessment you will be offered with your Clinical Nurse Specialist and/or Cancer Support Worker, to help discuss your health and wellbeing in relation to your cancer. It will assess your individual needs and concerns, to understand what matters to you.

Personalised Care and Support Planning includes sharing information with you about diet, physical activity, fatigue, and other practical information relevant to you. This can include anything from emotional support, to signposting you to local support services, such as benefits advice.

Making decisions about your healthcare

At NBT we encourage you to be a partner in your healthcare. When patients work with healthcare professionals to make decisions about their healthcare plan and treatment, this is called shared decision making. Shared decision making ensures you are supported to make decisions that are right for you.

This means supporting you to choose tests and treatments based on medical evidence, as well as your individual preferences, beliefs, and values.

It can be helpful to write down questions you have for your healthcare team. You should bring these, and a pen and paper to make any notes when you have appointments.

Some questions that might be helpful to ask:

• What are my options?
• What are the possible benefits and risks of those options?
• What support and information is available to help me make my decision?

Shared decision making matters to us. Tell us what matters to you. 

NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre 

We offer help and information about different kinds of cancers and treatments. We also talk about money, benefits you might get, what to eat, and exercises to do. If you have concerns or just want to talk with one of the team, we have time to listen and help you.

The centre offers ‘drop-ins’ for coffee and a chat or appointments for specific needs. 

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 16:15.

Phone: 0117 414 7051 

Cancer Information Session

As part of your routine care you may be invited to a group education and support session at, or soon after the time of a cancer diagnosis. 

The session provides: 

• Information about cancer and related topics that help you participate in your care and recovery.
• The opportunity to meet other people with similar experiences.
• Help to enable you to make choices best suited to you.

Venue: NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre, Southmead Hospital

Days and times: Monday 13:30-14:30, Thursday 10:00-11:00. 

Patients transferring to another hospital

If you are referred to another hospital for ongoing treatment, we remain as your key worker, or you may be transferred to a team at the other hospital. This will be discussed with you on an individual basis. 

How to contact us

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published September 2024. Review due September 2027. NBT003246