Intragastric balloon insertion

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Welcome to the North Bristol Weight Loss, Metabolic, and Bariatric Surgery Unit

Our team is here to help you on your journey to achieve long lasting weight loss. We believe this will have huge benefits to your overall health and wellbeing. Having weight loss surgery is a big decision. You will have to think about it carefully because your life will never be the same again.

We offer a weight loss service which may include surgery (often called bariatric surgery). This whole process take several years (follow up after surgery is limited to two years). Weight loss is a lifelong process, so we will help you to maintain this long term and give you ways to contact us in the future if necessary.

We will not operate on people who smoke or vape nicotine due to the surgical complications associated.

Once again well done on getting this far. We appreciate how difficult it is to successfully lose weight and keep it off in a healthy way. We are pleased to be in a position to be able to help you with this. Any suggestions or feedback on how to improve our service are gratefully received.

The Bariatric Surgery Team

Introduction

This information has been developed to help you prepare for your procedure to insert an intragastric balloon. It covers what you can expect before, during, and after your stay in hospital, and helps you with the lifestyle changes you need to make after surgery.

It is important that you give yourself enough time to process all the information and we are happy to answer all questions you might have.

This is the beginning of a challenging journey and it is important that you are well prepared with information and determination to give you the best chances of improving your health and achieving your goals.

How does the intragastric balloon work?

Diagram of inflated intragastric balloon

The intragastric balloon is a minimally invasive procedure where a soft deflated balloon is temporarily placed in the stomach. This is done using a thin tube called an endoscope through the mouth and gullet (oesophagus) under a general anaesthetic (you will be asleep).

Once the balloon is in the top of the stomach it is inflated with blue stained liquid (sodium chloride). This fills part of the stomach and makes you feel full.

The aim is to help change your eating pattern, reduce the volume of food you eat, and make you feel full quicker and for longer. The balloon is normally left in for 6-12 months. After this it must be removed as it may start breaking down.

Risks of having an intragastric balloon

Most people will have some short-term complications. These include abdominal discomfort and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and dehydration. You will be given medication to take home to help relieve these symptoms.

If symptoms don’t go away and you are vomiting, or unable to have any food or drink please go to an Accident and Emergency Department.

Other risks of having an intragastric balloon are: 

  • Intestinal obstruction by the balloon.
  • Bleeding or gastric perforation.
  • Balloon rupture and migration.
  • Gastric ulcers and oesophagitis.
  • Sepsis.
  • Pancreatitis.

The chance of these risks happening are very small, but you should be aware of them before agreeing to the procedure.

Preparation for surgery

Once you have a date for your procedure, you will be sent an appointment to attend the pre-assessment clinic. A nurse and anaesthetist will check you are well enough to have surgery. You will be advised at your pre-operative assessment:

  • When to stop eating and drinking before your operation.
  • What medicines to take/not take on the day of the procedure.

On the day

The procedure is a day case and most people will go home that evening. Someone over the age of 18 years old will need to stay with you overnight as you will be having a general anaesthetic and may feel very sick.

After the procedure you will feel a little groggy but this will soon wear off.

You might feel quite thirsty and like your mouth is dry, but it is important not to drink quickly and gulp. This will make you be sick and might cause pain. Start with drinking some water from a tea spoon. Sip the fluid one spoon at a time and stop if you feel any pain. Slowly increase the amount of fluid that you are able to take.

If you get thirsty at home, make sure you keep sipping little and often and try sucking an ice lolly or ice cube.

When you go home

After having the intragastric balloon inserted you may feel extreme nausea for up to 72 hours. It’s very important to take the following medication which will be given to you before leaving hospital:

  • Proton Pump Inhibitor (protects your stomach):
    • Lansoprazole.
  • Anti-sickness medication:
    • Cyclizine.
    • Ondansetron.
    • Prochlorperazine Buccal.

You will need to buy over the counter chewable A-Z multivitamins and take them twice a day. This will help you get enough vitamins while you are eating and drinking less. 

Eating guidelines

Once you have the balloon it is important to eat slowly and keep hydrated. Aim to drink 200mls an hour and avoid drinking 20 minutes either side of eating. Have a sip of water 30 minutes after eating to ‘rinse’ the balloon.

Remember, sip drinks slowly. You might find it helpful to carry a sports bottle around with you. Sips little and often are important to make sure that you stay well hydrated.

You need to follow a liquid and soft diet for the first 2 weeks after the balloon has been inserted. Then you can gradually move towards normal diet.

Days 1-7: runny fluids

  • Water.
  • Low calorie fruit squash.
  • Weak tea or coffee.
  • Clear soup or broth.
  • Sugar-free jelly.
  • Low fat/low sugar yoghurt drinks.
  • Skimmed milk.
  • Flavoured sugar-free water.

Day 8-10: thick fluids

Try introducing thicker fluids such as:

  • Smooth soups such as tomato.
  • Yoghurt drinks.
  • Sloppy Ready Brek or Weetabix.
  • Fruit and yoghurt smoothies.
  • Milkshakes.

Day 11-14: soft food

Aim to gradually introduce soft textured food that can be mashed with the back of your fork. You will need to do this slowly. If you feel uncomfortable when you eat, take a break, wait, and then try another mouthful.

Here are some examples:

  • Cottage cheese.
  • Scrambled eggs.
  • Porridge.
  • Canned tuna with light mayonnaise.
  • Lasagna.
  • Bolognese sauce.
  • Home made soups.

Day 15: solid food

Start introducing a diet of normal texture food, high in protein with the aim of a healthy balanced eating.

You will not feel like eating as much as before and if you eat fatty foods or sweets, you may feel nauseated.

Aim for 3 small meals a day with 2-3 high protein snacks if you can. Limit or avoid bread, pasta, and rice as these can stick to the balloon and cause bad breath and increase risk of nausea and heartburn.

A helpful technique to use is called ‘20, 20, 20 rule’. This involves:

  1. Cutting your food to the size of a 20 pence piece.
  2. Chewing 20 times before swallowing.
  3. Leaving 20 minutes between bites.

An extra ‘20’ is to stop eating after 20 minutes to give you time to recognise how full you are feeling. You can always add a little more, but you want to avoid feeling overfull or being sick.

Regular overeating, to the point where you feel sick, can be dangerous with a balloon in place. If you are struggling to manage your eating, please reach out for support.

Drinking alcohol in moderation will not affect your balloon but the extra calories will not help your weight loss.

Possible problems

  • Vomiting – if you vomit, stop eating for at least 2 hours then drink a small amount of water and proceed with soft foods again when you can. Aim to get back to solid foods. If the vomiting continues, or you are unable to drink fluids, contact your GP or go to A&E. Some people will need the balloon to be removed in the first few weeks because of severe nausea.
  • Reflux – avoid eating late at night and wait at least 2 hours after eating before going to bed. The balloon tends to move up when you lie down and could cause reflux. If you have reflux in the evening avoid coffee, tea, and alcohol. Raise your bed at the head end and avoid certain foods which may make these symptoms worse.
  • Smelly breath – this can be caused by food becoming trapped around the balloon. Try to drink water 30 minutes after eating to help clear the balloon.

The balloon can work as a tool to help you feel fuller for longer and reduce your overall food intake. If you are not noticing any difference in your hunger or fullness please contact the team for support.

The balloon will not necessarily take away the feeling of ‘head hunger’ or emotion-based urges to eat. These can be difficult to manage, please reach out to the team for support if you are struggling to manage these.

If you feel a craving coming on, you may find it helpful to focus on why you decided to start this journey and to have the balloon.

Think back to what has helped manage urges in the past, common techniques include:

  • Identify the feeling: Is this a physical hunger? In which case, have a high-protein snack or meal. Is this a head hunger? Try the below:
    • Urge surfing: notice the feeling, rate the craving from 1-10, wait 20 minutes (distract yourself) then rate the feeling once again – usually it will have significantly reduced if not disappeared.
    • Distraction: arts and crafts, music, game on your phone, go for a walk, call a friend, taking yourself away from the kitchen/shops can be helpful.
    • Create an emotional toolbox: when I feel x (emotion) I will do x/y/z (action).
    • Plan your next meal/snack: sometime cravings happen when you are unsure where your next food is coming through – planning can help manage this.

Any questions or concerns please contact:

Bariatric Coordinator:

Bariatric Clinical Nurse Specialist:

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published March 2025. Review due March 2028. NBT003663

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Systematic anti-cancer treatment (SACT)

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Information for patients receiving systematic anti-cancer treatment (SACT).

What is SACT?

Systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) refers to all medications used in the treatment of cancer, from traditional chemotherapy to newer targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and antibodies. They are most commonly given by:

  • Injection under the skin.
  • Drip into a vein.
  • Tablets to be swallowed.
  • A combination of injections, drips, and tablets.

Not all of these treatments are chemotherapy, however you may still hear them referred to as this and some of our services may have chemotherapy in their names.

What to expect? 

  • If your treatment includes drips or injections, you will attend the Chemotherapy Suite in Gate 5 of the Brunel building at Southmead Hospital.
  • If you are only having tablets, you will be seen in the Haematology outpatients clinic by a doctor, pharmacists, or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). You will be given enough medication to last until your next clinic appointment.
    • Your first cycle of tablet treatment will be given to you in the Chemotherapy Suite by the specialist nurse. Here you will have the opportunity to discuss your treatment and any questions you have about taking it.

If you find you have less than a week’s supply of medication and do not have an appointment before you are due to run out please call the Haematology CNS team on 07545 21893.

What do I need to bring with me to the Chemotherapy Suite?

  • Drinks and snacks are provided throughout the day and a lunchtime sandwich, but you can bring your own refreshments if you prefer.
  • Something to keep you occupied like a newspaper or book. Wi-fi is available and you can bring your own laptop. We have portable DVD players and a selection of DVDs to use in the department.
  • Some patients like to have a family member or friend with them during their treatment; this is entirely up to you.

How is it given?

Depending on what treatment you have, drips may be given through a cannula in the back of your hand or you may be advised to have a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) placed in your arm. This is a thin tube which stays in place for the duration of your treatment. This can be used to give medication and take blood tests.

Some treatments are given by sub-cutaneous (under the skin) injections.

Pre-assessment

Before starting each cycle of treatment, you will be seen by a doctor or senior nurse. You will also be asked to give a blood sample and have your blood pressure and temperature checked. This is a good opportunity to discuss any problems or side-effects you are concerned about.

The pre-assessment will help to decide whether you are fit enough to start the next cycle and whether any adjustments are needed.

Will it hurt?

Your treatment should not be painful. If you are feeling pain let a member of staff know immediately.

Side-effects

Side effects vary depending on the type of treatment you receive. You will be given specific information about the side effects you might experience.

Infection (sepsis)

Your disease and the treatment can make you more vulnerable to infection. Neutrophils are white blood cells that fight off infections and if you don’t have enough of them then you are much more vulnerable to catching infections and becoming unwell. Your neutrophil count is a good indicator of how vulnerable you are.

A normal neutrophil count is between 1.5 and 8.0 x 10⁹/L. A neutrophil count that is below 1.0 x 10⁹/L is particularly dangerous. If you have an infection (we call this neutropenia).

Usually, the neutrophil count drops about 7-10 days after having chemotherapy. It is safe to be at home with a low count as long as you do not have any symptoms of infection, but it is a good idea to be extra careful, avoiding people with coughs, colds and infections as well as large gatherings of people. For example, the theatre, supermarkets, and restaurants for the duration of your treatment.

Handwashing is an important infection prevention measure, before and after going to the bathroom, handling food or rubbish. Before eating is probably the most important thing you can do to avoid picking up infections.

We will take extra precautions if you are in hospital and if your count is less than 1.0 x 10⁹/L.

Neutropenic sepsis means that you have an infection when your white blood cells are too low. This is a life-threatening emergency. Call for help immediately if you have recently had treatment or if you have been told that your condition puts you at risk and you become unwell with any of the following symptoms:

  • Temperature – Above 37.5°C or below 36°C.
  • Uncontrollable shivering/shaking (rigor).
  • Other signs of infection for example sore throat, cough, diarrhoea or vomiting that last for more than 24 hours, pain, burning or difficulty passing urine.
  • Pain, swelling, or redness at the site of your PICC line, if you have one.
  • Suddenly feeling unwell, even with a normal temperature.

Use the numbers on your Chemo Alert card (also on the back of this leaflet to speak to a nurse straight away.

Depending on the reason for you calling, you may be asked to contact your GP or come to a specific department in the hospital.

If you cannot get hold of us on the numbers on your chemo alert card and you think you have an infection, go to the nearest A&E. (You may need to phone 999 for an ambulance if you don’t have transport and feel too unwell to drive).

  • Please do not attempt to come to the Haematology Department or Chemotherapy Suite without an appointment as this may lead to a delay in getting the attention you need.
  • If you are admitted to hospital with a possible infection, you need to receive an intravenous dose of antibiotics within one hour of arriving. Please show your Chemo Alert card to staff and make sure they are aware of this.

Nausea and vomiting

Not all anti-cancer treatment causes nausea and vomiting. If your treatment is expected to cause nausea, we will give you anti-sickness medication. We will explain the best way to take them.

If you are unsure how to use them or if they are not controlling your symptoms, please contact us.

Hair loss

Not all treatment causes hair loss. Your CNS or chemotherapy nurse will be able to advise you about this. If you would like to be referred for a wig, they can organise this for you.

There will be a charge for your wig. This may be reduced if you are receiving certain benefits.

If you lose your hair, it grows back after treatment has finished but can be different in colour or texture than before.

Fertility

Some cancer treatments can affect your ability to become pregnant or father a child. Options for fertility preservation will be discussed with you if this is a concern.

Many medicines can harm unborn babies and you may need to take precautions to reduce this risk. In some cases, this will be discussed with you specifically. Please ask if you have any concerns.

Psychological issues

A cancer diagnosis can cause many different feelings and emotions. People react in different ways and there is no right or wrong way to feel.

If you are feeling overwhelmed and/or distressed, please feel free to speak to any of the Haematology team about your concerns.

Treatment and your daily routine 

Work

Whether you continue to work or not throughout treatment will depend on you, your job, and the environment you work in. Please discuss this with your nurse or consultant.

We are happy to support you in letting your employer know what is going on and helping you access financial support and advice.

Driving

You do not have to inform the DVLA that you have cancer or are having treatment. We recommend that you do not drive to your first treatment session as it is difficult to know how you may be affected. For example, some medicines can make you feel drowsy. If you are feeling at all unsafe then do not drive. In some cases, we can offer hospital transport to and from hospital.

If you are receiving treatment at North Bristol NHS Trust, you are entitled to a free car parking pass. This is valid for up to 3 months and is renewable for as long as you need it. Please ask the CNS or chemotherapy staff for details.

Exercise

Exercise means different things to different people. Research has shown that some gentle exercise has been beneficial to patients undergoing treatment. However, this does depend on how you feel. It is important to not push yourself too much.

If you feel tired or fatigued, it is important to rest. However sometimes getting out for some fresh air or to walk the dog can be just as beneficial. We can refer you to a physiotherapist if you need help dealing with fatigue or returning to normal activity levels.

Going on holiday

We usually recommend that you do not travel abroad during treatment. Your doctor can advise you about having a holiday within the UK. If your blood counts are satisfactory and you feel well, you may benefit from a short break within the UK. It is important that your life is not completely put on hold during this difficult time.

If you become unwell when you are away from home do not attempt to return to Bristol before seeking help. Please go to the nearest hospital with an emergency department. Take your chemotherapy alert card with you and provide as much information as you can about your diagnosis and the treatment you are having.

Financial issues

Living with cancer can have a significant impact on your income and the cost of living. There is a team of benefits advisors provided by Macmillan and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Talk to your CNS or the team at the Macmillan Wellbeing Centre and ask to be referred.

You may also be able to apply for a grant from Macmillan to help with the cost of living with a cancer diagnosis.

If you have a cancer diagnosis you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions. If you do not already have exemption from prescription charges, please ask the CNS about this.

Your support team

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Everybody with a cancer diagnosis has access to a specialist nurse or Macmillan nurse.

The nurse is here to provide you and your family with the support and information you need before, during, and after your treatment. For most people with a haematological cancer the CNS will be your ‘Key Worker’ and your point of contact with the Multi-Disciplinary Team responsible for your care.,

You should see the CNS before you start your treatment. Whenever possible this will happen in the outpatient clinic or Medical Day Unit at the same time as another appointment.

Our CNSs work Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 and can be contacted by phone or email. Please be prepared to leave a message when you call.

Phone: 07545 421893

Email: haematologyCNS@nbt.nhs.uk

Acute Oncology Nurses

The Acute Oncology Nurses work Monday-Friday, 08:00-16:30, and you can phone them 07860 783116.

The Acute Oncology Service provides specialist advice and support for cancer patients with urgent problems related to their illness or treatment.

They can advise the best thing to do, whether this is to attend hospital or your GP for assessment.

Cancer Support Workers

Cancer Support Workers work with the Clinical Nurse Specialist team and cancer team. They provide support and advice to patients at the time of diagnosis, during, and after treatment.

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 lifestyle as soon as possible.

Support is provided face to face, over the phone, or by email.

NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre

The Wellbeing Centre is located opposite the main hospital entrance at the end of the car park, next to the Breast Care Centre. We offer help and information about different kinds of cancers and treatments. We also talk about, finances and benefits, diet, exercise, and emotional support. We are here to listen to you and the people who support you.

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

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

Phone: 0117 414 7051

Other information and support

Blood Cancer UK

Information and support for everyone affected by all blood cancers. Leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MDS, MPN.
Blood Cancer UK | We're here to beat blood cancer
Phone: 0808 2080 888

Cancer Research UK

Information service about cancer and cancer care for people with cancer and their families.
Cancer Research UK
Phone: 0808 800 4040

Leukaemia Care

Information and support for people living with leukaemia, MDS and MPNs
Leukaemia Care - The UK's leading leukaemia charity
Phone: 0808 801 0444

Lymphoma Action

The UK's only charity dedicated to lymphoma.
Lymphoma Action
Helpline: 0808 808 5555

Macmillan Cancer Support

Offers a range of support for the emotional and practical impacts of living with cancer.
Macmillan Cancer Support | The UK's leading cancer care charity
Support Line: 0808 808 0000

MDS UK Patient Support Group

Supports anyone affected by MDS or CMML. Providing reliable information and support.
Home | MDS UK Patient Support Group
Phone: 020 7733 7558

MPN Voice

MPN Voice’s mission is to provide clear and accurate information and emotional support to everyone who has been diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) and their families/friends.
MPN Voice – mpnvoice.org.uk
Phone: 07934 689 354

Myeloma UK

Provides information and support to anyone affected by myeloma. Offers support groups, discussion forums and Infoline. Includes related disorders including AL amyloidosis, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) and Plasmacytoma.
Homepage - Myeloma UK
Info line: 0800 980 3332

Penny Brohn

Health and wellbeing support for people living with cancer.
Penny Brohn UK – Cancer wellbeing for everyone
Phone: 0303 3000 118

NHS website

Offers general health information
NHS website for England - NHS

How to contact us

Haemotology Clinical Nurse Specialists

Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00
07545 421 893

Acute Oncology Nurse

Monday-Friday, 08:30-16:00
07860 783 116

Chemotherapy Suite

Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00
0117 414 3580

Clinical Hub (out of hours)

0117 414 0700

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published March 2025. Review due March 2028. NBT003036.

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See the impact we make across our hospitals and how you can be a part of it. 

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Find out about shared decision making at NBT. 

Research Policies & Forms

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From writing your initial proposal to statistical requests and patient & public involvement, here you will find all the documents, forms and standard operating procedures you will need to develop and set up your research idea at North Bristol NHS Trust.

Our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should be used by Chief and Principal Investigators, Research Nurses and all other research personnel. They provide detailed guidance on all aspects of research study management from design through to completion.

If you are an NBT staff member, the current research SOPs should first be accessed via our Managed Learning Environment (MLE) in accordance with the Research Staff Training SOP. This will provide you with an electronic training record to evidence that you have read each SOP.

It is the responsibility of all staff who carry out research to ensure you are using the latest SOP.

Some of the documents are available online below. If you would like a document that is not available online, please contact:  research@nbt.nhs.uk.

Policies & Guidance

R&I - (PO1) Commercial Research Policy

R&I - (PO2) Sponsorship & Central Trial Management Fees Policy

R&I – (P03) Excess Treatment Costs In Research at NBT has been suspended. All new research projects with excess treatment costs require approval from the General Manager/Clinical Director.

R&I - (PO4) NIHR Research Funding Recovery Policy

R&I - (PO5) - PPI in Research Payment Policy

RD - (P06) Research Misconduct Policy

NBT (CG-134) Adult Safeguarding Policy

NBT (CG-197) Safeguarding Children Policy

NBT (PEO-33) Fairness at Work Policy

Study Set-Up

Guidance on Allocation of Research SPA time for Consultants

R&I NBT HRA Checklist

R&I Making amendments to NBT Sponsored studies that have HRA approval

R&I Setting up new studies where NBT are sponsor

Standard Operating Procedures

Ref: RD/QMS/SOP/001 : Preparation of Research Standard Operation Procedures

Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/002 : Obtaining R&I Confirmation for Research to Start

Ref: RD/QMS/SOP/003 : Research Study Amendments

Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/004 : Maintenance of Research Equipment SOP

Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/005 : Research Staff Training

Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/006 : Honorary Research Contract Letters of Access SOP
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/006a External Researcher Information Form

Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/007 : Applying for NBT Sponsorship SOP
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/007a Sponsorship Request Form
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/007b NBT Terms of Sponsorship
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/007c Delegation of Responsibilities
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/007e Declaration Form
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/008 : Writing a Protocol for ctIMPs
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/009 R&I Periodic Reporting to Regulatory Authorities
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/010 : Archiving
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/011: R&I Closing Suspending and Terminating Research

Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/012 : R&I Managing Breaches of GCP or the Protocol
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/012a : ICH GCP NonCompliance Report Form
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/012b Identifying & preventing noncompliance with Good Clinical Practice or the protocol
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/012c : Protocol Deviation Review & Analysis Form
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/013 : R&I Safety Reporting
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/014 : R&I Monitoring
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/015 : R&I Computer System Validation & Backup
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/016 : R&I Research Contracts & Vendor Selection
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/017 : R&I Data Management
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/018: R&I Management of Fridges & Freezers
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/019 : R&I RESTART During urgent public health emergencies
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/020 : Management of healthy volunteers in research
Ref: RI/QMS/SOP/021 : R&I Informed Consent in Adult Research Setting

Research Ethics

At North Bristol NHS Trust, we are committed to ensuring that all research conducted within our organisation upholds the highest standards of ethical integrity, safeguarding the rights, dignity, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.

We support high-quality, ethical research that contributes to improving patient care, public health, and service delivery.

Ethical Review Process

All research involving our patients, staff, data or facilities must receive appropriate ethical review and approval before it begins. This may include:

  • Review by a Health Research Authority (HRA) Research Ethics Committee (REC) – required for most research involving patients or identifiable NHS data.
  • Local review through the Trust’s Research & Development (R&D) Department, which ensures projects meet NHS and Trust-specific governance requirements.

We work closely with the HRA to ensure compliance with the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research and all relevant legal and ethical standards, including GDPR and the Declaration of Helsinki. 

The HRA provides comprehensive guidance on the ethical review process, including the roles and responsibilities of RECs to ensure that we protect the rights, safety, dignity and wellbeing of participants.

This centralised approach ensures consistency and rigour in the ethical review of health and social care across the UK.

You can find out more information here: 

 

Supporting Researchers

Our R&D team offers support and guidance throughout the ethical approval process. We help researchers:

  • Identify the appropriate level of ethical review
  • Prepare and submit applications via the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS), including development of the required submission documents such as research protocol, participant information sheets and consent forms.
  • Understand key ethical considerations such as consent, confidentiality, risk, and public involvement.

If you are planning a research project, please contact our R&D team early in your planning process to ensure ethical requirements are met, as part of our sponsorship review process.

Contact Us

For further information or support with research ethics, please contact:

Research and Development

Research Sponsor
North Bristol NHS Trust
Email: researchsponsor@nbt.nhs.uk
Phone: 0117 414 9330

View Our Research

Doctor conducting research at NBT

Explore the ground-breaking research currently taking place at North Bristol NHS Trust.

About Research & Development

NBT Researcher

Find out more about our research and how we're working to improve patient care.

Contact Research

Research & Development
North Bristol NHS Trust
Level 3, Learning & Research building
Southmead Hospital
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol, BS10 5NB

Telephone: 0117 4149330
Email: research@nbt.nhs.uk

Trust Board Meetings 2025/2026

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Members of the public and staff are able to attend our Trust Board meetings in public. If you would like to attend, please let us know by emailing trust.secretary@nbt.nhs.uk and we can provide details of the location, and print papers if required. If you wish, you can ask a question to the Trust Board.

Papers are available around a week before the meetings. These papers carry a general and press embargo until after the Board of Directors meeting has been held and no discussion concerning them will be entered into until that time.

2025/2026 meeting dates (meetings in common with the Board of Directors for University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust)  :

  • Tuesday 8th April 2025. This meeting will be held from 13.00-16.00 at The Jessop Suite, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Seat Unique Stadium, Nevil Road, Bristol, Bristol, BS7 9EJ.
  • Tuesday 13 May 2025
  • Tuesday 8 July 2025
  • Tuesday 9 September 2025
  • Tuesday 11 November 2025
  • Tuesday 13 January 2026
  • Tuesday 10 March 2026

 

Download Integrated Quality and Performance Reports (IQPR):

 

Download Meeting Papers:

 

Support and useful information

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These organisations and charities provide reliable, up to date information and support for patients and families living with a haematological conditions and cancer. If you need help to identify the ones which might be most helpful to you the specialist nurses can help you.

Blood Cancer UK

Cancer Research UK

Leukaemia Care

Lymphoma Action

Macmillan Cancer Support

MDS UK Patient Support Group

MPN Voice

  • MPN Voice’s mission is to provide clear and accurate information and emotional support to everyone who has been diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) and their families/friends.
  • MPN Voice – mpnvoice.org.uk
  • Phone 07934 689 354 

Myeloma UK

  • Provides information and support to anyone affected by myeloma.  Offers support groups, discussion forums and Infoline. Includes related disorders including AL amyloidosis, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) and Plasmacytoma.
  • Homepage - Myeloma UK
  • Info line: 0800 980 3332 

Penny Brohn

NHS website

Details of support groups and websites correct August 2024 

Clinical Haematology

Regular Off On A-Z of Services Haematology

Clinical Haematology Service 

The clinical haematology service looks after patients with a range of blood and bone marrow disorders, including haematology cancers. We provide out-patient and day case treatment in our clinics and Chemotherapy Suite in Gate 5b in the Brunel building, Southmead Hospital. We also have a small number of inpatient beds on Gate 27b, and support and advise staff and patients in other areas around the hospital. 

We care for patients with haematological cancers including:

  • Lymphomas.
  • Leukaemias.
  • Multiple Myeloma.
  • Myelodysplastic Syndrome.
  • Myeloproliferative neoplasms. 

The treatments we offer include:

  • Chemotherapy.
  • Immunotherapies.
  • Targeted therapies.
  • Supportive care including blood and platelet transfusions.

We work closely with Medical Day Care, The Macmillan Wellbeing Centre, Acute Oncology, Palliative Care teams, and many others around the trust. We can refer you to dietitians, physiotherapy, psychology, wigs, and financial and benefits support. 

Certain treatments like radiotherapy, stem cell transplants, and more intensive chemotherapy can only be given at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre in Bristol. We have good links with our colleagues there to ensure our patients have access to the most appropriate treatments. 

Haematology clinics take place in Gate 5 every morning (except Thursday) and on Tuesday afternoons. We encourage you to bring someone with you to the clinic, especially if you are expecting to discuss significant test results or a treatment plan.  

Certain specialist clinics take place at the same time every week but you may be asked to come on a different day sometimes depending on appointment availability. The specialist nurses may also offer you appointments at other times, often in the afternoon.  

When you come to clinic it is very likely you will be asked to have a blood test. Sometimes (particularly in the myeloma clinic) it is useful to arrange to have the tests done at your GP surgery a few days before so that all the results are ready you see us.  

In some cases you may be offered a phone appointment, which usually requires a blood test at your GP surgery. A phone appointment is similar way to a face-to-face clinic appointment and you need to be available for us to call you as close as possible to the appointment time. 

Questions to ask

When you come to your haematology appointment, you may have a lot of questions. It is normal to find it difficult to remember things at the time of and after your appointment so here are some tips to help you.  

Before your appointment

  • Write down your most important questions.
  • List or bring all your medicines and pills – including vitamins and supplements.
  • Write down details of your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
  • Ask your CNS team for an interpreter or communication support if needed.
  • Ask a friend or family member to come with you, if you like. 

During your appointment

  • Don't be afraid to ask if you don't understand. For example, 'can you say that again? I still don't understand.'?
  • If you don't understand any words, ask for them to be written down and explained.
  • Write things down or ask a family member or friend to take notes.

Ideas of questions to ask at the time of your appointment

  • 'what's happening if I'm not sent my appointment details,' and 'can I have the results of any tests?'
  • If you don't get the results when you expect – ask for them.
  • Ask what the results mean.

Before you leave your appointment

  • Ask who to contact if you have any more problems or questions.
  • About support groups and where to go for reliable information. 

After your appointment - don't forget the following

  • Write down what you discussed and what happens next.
  • Keep your notes.

Tests, such as blood tests or scans

  • What are the tests for?
  • How and when will I get the results?
  • Who do I contact if I don't get the results? 

What next?

  • What happens next?
  • Do I need to come and see you?
  • Who do I contact if things get worse?
  • Do you have and written information?
  • Where can I go for more information?
  • Are there any support groups or other sources of help? 

It's okay to ask

Illustration of 3 clinicians wearing blue scrubs with stethoscopes around necks

Find out about shared decision making at NBT. 

Contact Clinical Haematology

Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialists 
For enquiries about diagnosis, medication, support, information. Please be prepared to leave a message. Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00. 
Haematologycns@nbt.nhs.uk
07545 421893 

Acute Oncology Nurses
For cancer or chemotherapy patients who are unwell and need urgent advice. Monday - Friday 08:30-16:00. 
07860 783116 

Clinical Hub (out of hours) 
For cancer or chemotherapy patients who are unwell and need urgent advice outside normal working hours. 
0117 414 0700 

Chemotherapy Suite 
Monday - Friday 09:00-17:00. 
Chemotherapy Unit | North Bristol NHS Trust
0117 414 3580 

Neuropathology Laboratory Services

Regular Off Off

For guidelines on how to send diagnostic samples to the Neuropathology Department, download:

To make a referral to the department, download:

For general guidelines for sending a muscle or nerve biopsy to the department, download the guidelines below

For a list of the diagnostic tests performed within the Neuropathology Department, download:

The department works with the Severn Pathology Genetics Department to offer a fully integrated report service for surgical patients. To see full details of this please visit the Severn Pathology webpage.

Contact Neuropathology