My Medical Record FAQs

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Please see these frequently asked questions below to find out more about using North Bristol My Medical Record (MMR). 

Logging in

I have trouble accessing the login page, is there an easy way to access it?

The best way to access MMR is through the link provided on email registration. You can also access My Medical Record by clicking on this link My medical record or by scanning the QR code below:

QR code linking to My Medical Records

How do I reset my password?

You can reset your password on MMR by clicking on the ‘Forgot Password?’ link on the sign in page.

Can my family or carers log in? How do I do this?

We can create an account for your family member or carer to use on your behalf. 

Please give the cancer team the best contact email for this family member or carer. 

The account details will then be sent to their email account.

Results

Will I receive notifications when my results are available?

MMR website cannot send notifications. 

Please check the MMR website to understand your monitoring plan and find your test results. 

If your test results are abnormal, a member of the cancer team will contact you directly to discuss in further detail.

Will I be able to view historical results on My Medical Record?

No, previous test results will not be visible on MMR. 

You will only be able to view test results that happen after your MMR account is set up.

The dates of my blood results and scans are wrong, what should I do?

Scans or procedure results will be available to view after they have been reviewed by a member of the cancer support team. 

Blood test results will show as soon as they have been processed. 

This may mean the dates shown on MMR, may be slightly different to the date of the test. 

Please do not worry if they do not line up exactly and continue following your monitoring plan. 

If there are significant differences, or you think your monitoring plan is wrong, please get in touch.

How do I book my follow up blood tests or scans?

Please contact your GP or other community healthcare service to arrange your blood tests. 

Any other imaging tests or hospital procedures will be arranged by the cancer nurse team. 

You will receive an appointment letter from the relevant department. 

If you have not received an appointment, please contact your cancer team.

Other

I have used the message feature, when will I get a reply?

The messaging tool is for non-urgent queries. 

The cancer support team aims to respond to messages within 2 working days. 

If you have any urgent queries relating to your cancer, please contact your cancer support team directly.

I have changed my mind, am I able to delete my account?

If you would no longer like to access MMR, please tell a member of the cancer support team. This can either be through the ‘Message’ function, or by contacting your cancer support team directly by phone or email. You will then receive results by paper letter or telephone call for the remaining period of follow-up.

What happens when I reach the end of the MMR protocol?

If your tests have stayed within expected levels for the surveillance period, and you have had no concerning symptoms, you will be discharged back to the care of your GP. 

Your GP will guide you on any further follow up tests.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published January 2026. Review due January 2029. NBT003855 

Trust Board Meetings 2026/2027

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Members of the public and staff can 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 one 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.

2026/2027 meeting dates (meetings in common with the Board of Directors for University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust):

  • Tuesday 12 May 2026. This meeting will be held at The Park, Daventry Road, Knowle West, Bristol, BS4 1DQ
  • Tuesday 14 July 2026. This meeting will be held at Lockleaze Sports Centre, Off Bonnington Walk, Lockleaze, Bristol, BS7 9XF
  • Tuesday 8 September 2026. This meeting will be held at the Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW
  • Tuesday 10 November 2026. This meeting will be held at Thornbury Active Lifestyle Centre, Alveston Hill, Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, BS35 3JB
  • Tuesday 12 January 2027. This meeting will be held in Seminar Rooms 4 and 5 of the Learning and Research Centre, Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 5NB
  • Tuesday 9 March 2027. This meeting will be held in the Garden Room at Ham Green House, Chapel Pill Lane, Bristol, BS20 0HH.

 

Download Integrated Quality and Performance Reports (IQPR):

Contrast-enhanced mammogram (CEM)

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This page contains information about having a contrast-enhanced mammogram (CEM). The information will also be explained by your medical team so if you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.

What is CEM?

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. CEM is a technique where a contrast medium (dye) is injected into a vein in your arm before the mammogram is taken. The dye highlights any areas of your breast that we might need to investigate further.

Why do I need a CEM?

CEM is part of your breast assessment. It gives us more detailed information than just using standard mammography as seen below. The image shows the lesions in the breast brighter on the CEM image than a standard 2D mammogram.

Mammography scan images, on the left 2D imaging, on the right contrast enhanced imaging

What happens during a CEM?

  • When you arrive at the clinic you will complete a short questionnaire. This is to check you can have the test. The mammographer will then call you into the X-ray room and explain the procedure to you.
  • When you are ready, a small needle attached to a flexible plastic tube (cannula) will be placed into a vein in your arm. The cannula will be used to inject the contrast. This may cause a warm sensation for a short while.
  • You will then be asked to undress from the waist up.
    • Deodorant, antiperspirant, and talcum powder may affect the quality of the X-ray, so please do not use them on the day of your appointment. Or you can wash them off before the mammogram is taken.
  • The mammographer will position your breasts, one at a time, in the mammogram machine. They will apply some compression and take the X-rays. The compression may be slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful, and is needed to get the best images.
  • Mammograms will be taken of each breast from different angles.
  • When the X-rays have been taken, can get dressed and return to the waiting room. You will be asked to stay in the department for around 30 minutes to make sure you are safe to go home. We will then remove the cannula from your arm.

How long will the test take?

The test itself should take no longer than 30 minutes. You will be in the department for about an hour.

Will I be able to resume my normal activities right away?

You can eat and drink normally and return to your usual activities straight away. You can continue with your normal medication as usual.

You are advised to drink plenty of fluids after a CEM test.

When can I expect my results?

The image will be reviewed by the radiology team, who may make further recommendations. You might need further tests, for example an ultrasound scan and/or a biopsy. Your consultant will tell you when you will receive the results of any tests you have, and if we need you to attend for any further investigations.

What are the risks of having a CEM?

  • Radiation - All X-rays involve radiation. A mammogram uses very small doses of radiation but the benefit of detecting breast cancer at an early stage outweighs the risk of harm from the radiation exposure. The radiation dose from a CEM is slightly higher than a standard mammogram but is still well within the accepted safety guidelines.
  • Allergic reaction - the contrast is safe and usually has no after-effects. A small number of people can have an allergic (anaphylactic) reaction or other side-effects. This can happen as soon as the contrast is injected or up to a day later.
    • Reaction to the contrast dye may include, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, headache, a rash, and itchy skin. You may also feel lightheaded or faint, breathing difficulties, wheezing, a fast heartbeat (tachycardia), clammy skin, swelling, abdominal pain.
    • The mammographers are trained to recognise these reactions. We will check whether you have had any allergic reactions in the past before we give you the injection. If you are concerned you are having a reaction after leaving the department, please seek urgent medical advice or attend A&E.
  • The dye we use for the test can affect the kidneys. This is uncommon, affecting less than 1 in every 100 people. To reduce the chances of this happening, we will not offer you the test if you have any of the risk factors listed below:
    • You are pregnant.
    • You are allergic to iodine.
    • You have renal (kidney) failure.
    • You have diabetes and/or take metformin.

After CEM

  • Please drink plenty of fluids.
  • Be aware of signs of allergic reactions detailed above. If you are worried you are having a reaction after leaving the department please seek urgent medical advice or go to the Emergency Department.

Who can I contact for further information?

If you have any further questions about anything covered on this page, please contact the breast admin team on:

They will be able to connect you with someone who can answer your question.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published January 2026. Review due January 2029. NBT003818

It's okay to ask

Illustration of 3 clinicians wearing blue scrubs with stethoscopes around necks

Find out about shared decision making at NBT. 

Support your local hospital charity

Southmead Hospital Charity logo

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

Infection Sciences (Microbiology & Virology)

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Infection Sciences Information

The Department of Infection Sciences is a collaboration between the North Bristol NHS trust and UK Health Security Agency to provide a hospital-based service for the laboratory diagnosis and clinical management of microbial diseases for patients both in hospital and the community, together with advice on the control of infection.

Laboratories participate and perform well in national quality assurance schemes and is fully accreditied. They are accredited for training with the Institute of Biomedical Science and registration with the Health Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Pathologists.

Medical microbiologists are available, both during the day and out-of-hours, to give advice concerning the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of infectious diseases. Where appropriate, preliminary reports and results are phoned to the clinician concerned. Ward rounds are conducted daily to review and offer advice on the management of inpatients with serious infections.

An active Infection Control Team is available at all times to help with matters relating to the control and prevention of infection.

UKHSA Terms and Conditions for the supply of goods and/or services Terms and conditions for the supply of goods and/or services - GOV.UK.

Useful Documents

Mycology Reference Laboratory service user handbook

User Survey:

Contact Microbiology

General Enquiries/Results/Clinical Advice
Southmead Hospital telephone: 0117 4146222

Email: microbiology@nbt.nhs.uk
 

Laboratory Hours
Monday to Friday 9am - 5.15pm
Saturday 9am 12 noon
A 24-hour on-call service operates outside normal laboratory hours - please contact via switchboard.

Infection Sciences (Microbiology & Virology)

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy appointment

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This information will help you prepare for your Pelvic Health Physiotherapy appointment. Thank you for your patience waiting to access this service. 

What to expect

Your appointment will be in a private treatment room. During your session, your physiotherapist will:

  • Ask questions to understand your concerns, symptoms, and what matters most to you.
  • Discuss your medical history, recovery, and daily life.
  • Explore symptoms such as pain, leaking of wee, wind or poo (incontinence), or heaviness/ bulge.
  • Decide if it may be helpful to check your pelvic floor and do an examination. You may need to undress for this, but you don’t need to wear any special clothing to your appointment.
  • Support you to return to activity and exercise.

Internal (vaginal or rectal) examination

This is where we check the inside of the vagina or rectum (bottom). Your physiotherapist may offer an internal examination to: 

  • Check healing of any stitches or tears.
  • Assess how your pelvic floor muscles are working (by doing “squeeze” and “relax” exercises).
  • Look for any areas that may need further support or treatment.

Important information

  • You do not have to have an internal exam.
  • You can say no or change your mind at any time.
  • Your physiotherapist will explain everything clearly and answer your questions.
  • You can attend if you are on your period (menstruating).

Chaperones and support

You can have a chaperone during any physical exam if you would like. 

Chaperones can:

  • Provide reassurance and support.
  • Witness ongoing consent – that you agree to each part of the exam as it happens.
  • Assist the physiotherapist if needed.

Chaperones can be formal or informal:

  • A formal chaperone is a trained health professional or member of staff. Please tell us in advance if you would like a formal chaperone.
  • An informal chaperone can be a partner, friend, or family member you can bring with you.

Attending with children

Babies and children are welcome. If you have an internal examination you may need to bring another adult to support or look after your child during this part of the session.

How to prepare

To get the most from your appointment we recommend you:

  • Think about why you were referred.
  • Consider what’s important to you about your symptoms.
  • Bring a list of current medications.
  • If you have bladder symptoms, please complete a bladder diary (below) and bring it with you. Please tell us if you cannot print this yourself or need help understanding it. Some people prefer to write things down on paper or in a note on their mobile phone.
  • Have a look at our information on the Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Service website including information and videos in other languages.

After the assessment

Your physiotherapist will discuss the findings and agree a treatment plan with you. This may include: 

  • Advice and education.
  • Exercises for recovery.

You will have time to ask questions.

If you need to cancel or reschedule

Your appointment is important. Please call 0300 555 0103 as soon as possible if you need to cancel.

  • Note: If you cancel twice or don’t attend without telling us, you may be discharged from the service.

We look forward to seeing you and supporting your recovery. 

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published January 2026. Review due January 2029. NBT003852

Bladder diary

Please complete this for 3 days. 

Enter the following in each column against the time.

  • You can change the specified times if you need to.
  •  In the time column, please write BED when you went to bed and WOKE when you woke up. 
  • Drinks - write the amount you had to drink and the type of drink. 
  • Urine output - enter the amount of urine you passed in millilitres (mls) in the urine output column, day and night. Any measuring jug will do. If you passed urine but couldn’t measure it, put a tick in this column. 
  • If you leaked urine at any time write LEAK here. 
  • Bladder sensation - write a description of how your bladder felt when you went to the toilet using these codes:
    • 0 - If you had no sensation of needing to pass urine, but passed urine for “social reasons”, for example, just before going out, or unsure where the next toilet is. 
    • 1 - If you had a normal desire to pass urine and no urgency. “Urgency” is different from normal bladder feelings and is the sudden compelling desire to pass urine which is difficult to defer, or a sudden feeling that you need to pass urine and if you don’t you will have an accident. 
    • 2 - If you had urgency but it had passed away before you went to the toilet. 
    • 3 - If you had urgency but managed to get to the toilet, still with urgency, but did not leak urine. 
    • 4 - If you had urgency and could not get to the toilet in time so you leaked urine. 
  • Pads If you put on or change a pad put a tick in the pads column. 

Here is an example of how to complete the diary:

TimeDrink amountDrink typeUrine output (mls)Bladder sensationPads
6am WOKE  350ml2 
7am300mltea   
8am  2 
9am     
10amcupwaterLEAK3

Bladder diary to print

Date:

TimeDrink amountDrink typeUrine output (mls)Bladder sensationPads
6am     
7am     
8am     
9am     
10am     
11am     
12 midday     
1pm     
2pm     
3pm     
4pm     
5pm     
6pm     
7pm     
8pm     
9pm     
10pm     
11pm     
Midnight     
1am     
2am     
3am     
4am     
5am     

Contact Haematology

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Blood Transfusion

Telephone: 0117 4148350
On-Call Haematology BMS via bleep 9433

Autolab heldesk

Telephone: 0117 4148383
On-Call Haematology BMS via bleep 9433

Medical Staff

Dr A Whiteway
Consultant Haematologist
Head of Clinical and Laboratory Haematology
Via Haematology secretaries - Telephone: 0117 4148401

Dr Michelle Melly
Consultant Haematologist
Via Haematology secretaries - Telephone: 0117 4148401

Dr M Kmonicek
Consultant Haematologist
Via Haematology secretaries - Telephone: 0117 4148401

Dr Samreen Siddiq
Consultant Haematologist
Via Haematology secretaries - Telephone: 0117 4148401

Dr Sophie Otton
Consultant Haematologist
Via Haematology secretaries - Telephone: 0117 4148401

Dr Jaroslaw Sokolowski
Consultant Haematologist
Via Haematology secretaries - Telephone: 0117 4148401

Dr Surenthini Salmon
Consultant Haematologist
Via Haematology secretaries - Telephone: 0117 4148401

Dr Kiri Dixon
Consultant Haematologist
Via Haematology secretaries - Telephone: 0117 4148401

Laboratory Staff

Mrs Allison Brixey
Blood Sciences Manager
Telephone: 0117 4148416

Mr Tim Wreford-Bush
Lead BMS Blood Transfusion
Telephone: 0117 4148363

Dr Karen Mead
Specialist Practitioner of Transfusion
Telephone: 0117 4148358

Mrs Grace VanDerMee
Lead BMS Haematology
Telephone: 0117 4148356

Mrs Halina Collingbourne
Quality Manager
Telephone: 0117 4148354

Anticoagulation Monitoring Service

Please note that this service has moved to Pharmacy.

Llinos Jones
AMS@nbt.nhs.uk
Telephone 0117 4148405
Contactable from Mon-Fri 09:00 - 17:00

Secretaries Office

Telephone: 0117 4148401
Email: HaematologySecretaries@nbt.nhs.uk

Contact Haematology

Haematology

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The clinical service is staffed with 8 Consultant Haematologists for interpretation and advice.  The technical and clinical service is provided by Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Clinical Scientists (CS), Associate Practitioners (AP) and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA).  In 2024 the laboratory processed 600,000 full blood counts, 250, 000 HbA1Cs & 100,000 clotting requests, with 10% growth each year. Haemoglobinopathy testing is also undertaken, including sickle cell and thalassaemia (SCT) screening for the antenatal and newborn programmes.

The Blood Transfusion laboratory issued over 13,000 blood components and processed 50,000 group and save samples. It also supports the Adult Major Trauma Centre at NBT and provides blood components to two air ambulances for the prehospital setting.  

The department has been approved for BMS training by the IBMS and our Trainee BMS staff are trained in accordance with the IBMS and HCPC regulations. Our qualified staff (CS and BMS) are required to be registered with HCPC. The department is also accredited to train staff undertaking the STP and HSST programmes with the National Science Healthcare school.  There is active encouragement for staff to follow further education courses, such as MSc (Haematology) and management qualifications.

The Department has a dedicated Quality Manager who is responsible for maintaining accreditation and compliance to ISO 15189 and BSQR (https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/severn-pathology/quality/pathology-accreditation-status) . The department participates in all appropriate External Quality Assurance Schemes accredited to ISO 17043 (https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/severn-pathology/quality/external-quality-assurance) for which performance is closely monitored.

Clinical Head of Service
Dr Alastair Whiteway

Blood Sciences Services Manager
Mrs Allison Brixey

Blood Sciences Operations Manager
Mrs Ellen Roberts

Haematology & Transfusion Laboratory Hours

Monday-Sunday including bank holidays: 8am - 10pm

Specimens received outside these normal opening times are classified as “out of hours”. Out of hours blood product requests must be discussed with the Biomedical Scientist on call. The Biomedical Scientists should always be informed of urgent analytical requests.

Test Information

Sample vials for testing

Includes details of sample types, volumes, special precautions, turnaround times & reference ranges.

Haematology

Newborn Screening

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A peice of equipment within the Laboratory that screens for conditions

The department of Clinical Biochemistry provide the Newborn Bloodspot Screening service for a large part of the South West Region. Testing is undertaken on filter paper bloodspots which are collected from babies when they are 5 days old. Our UKAS accredited laboratory currently screens approximately 35,000 babies each year for ten conditions:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD)
  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism (CHT)
  • Inherited Metabolic Diseases:
    • Phenylketonuria (PKU)
    • Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD)
    • Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)
    • Isovaleric acidaemia (IVA)
    • Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1)
    • Homocystinuria (pyridoxine unresponsive) (HCU)
    • Hereditary Tyrosinaemia type 1 (HT1)

Early detection through screening and prompt treatment significantly reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with these conditions.
The newborn screening bloodspot programme is provided in close collaboration with health care professionals throughout the region.

Screening for SCD is provided with the department of Haematology at North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and Cystic Fibrosis with the Bristol Genetics Laboratory

Information for public and professionals regarding the SCID evaluation.

The screening laboratory works very closely with the South West Regional Metabolic Biochemistry laboratory, co-located with the Newborn SCreening Laboratory, which provides diagnostic testing to support the newborn screening programmes and monitoring of patients identified though the Inherited Metabolic Disease screening programmes. Bloodspot testing for PKU, hypothyroidism (TSH) and a monitoring service for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (17-OHP) is also available.

All of our screening results are uploaded to the Newborn Blood Spot Failsafe Solution (NBSFS) on a daily basis. This is a national web-based solution which allows maternity units, child health record departments, and screening laboratories to verify the screening status of any baby registered in England. It enables easy early identification of those babies who have had no blood spot card received in the laboratory, making it less likely that any babies will miss screening, and also promotes timeliness of repeat sampling.

Laboratory Visits

We offer half-day training sessions to midwives, health visitors, dieticians, nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals involved in the collection of bloodspots. Please contact us to arrange a visit.

Please see below for responses to our most recent user survey

Key Contacts

Roanna George
Director of Newborn Screening & Consultant Clinical Scientist
Telephone: 0117 4148425

Maryam Khan
Principal Clinical Scientist
Telephone: 0117 4148418

Emma Smith-Thomas
Senior Clinical Scientist
Telephone: 0117 4148427

Dr Sophie Otton
Consultant Haematologist
Telephone: 0117 4148359

Grace VanDerMee
Lead Biomedical Scientist - Haematology
Telephone: 0117 4148356

Rebecca Whittington
Principal Clinical Scientist - Genetics
Telephone: 0117 4146175

Clare Le Masurier
Senior Biomedical Scientist
Telephone: 0117 4148430

Zuzana Miklankova
Senior Biomedical Scientist
Telephone: 0117 4148346

Katherine Carr
Senior Biomedical Scientist
Telephone: 0117 4148430

Contact Newborn Screening

Newborn Screening Laboratory (Bristol)
PO Box 407
Bristol
BS9 0EA

Email: newbornscreening@nbt.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0117 414 8412
 

Opening times: 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday excluding bank holidays.

Clinical advice & interpretation is available during working hours.

Access the NHS Blood Spot Screening Programme Centre

Newborn Screening

Metabolic Biochemistry

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The Metabolic Biochemistry Laboratory (previously Biochemical Genetics) at Southmead Hospital provides a regional diagnostic and monitoring service for the investigation of inherited metabolic diseases. Routine analyses performed include urine organic acids (including quantitative methylmalonic acid, if required), bloodspot/plasma acylcarnitines (including free carnitine), plasma/urine/CSF quantitative amino acids, qualitative galactosaemia screening test, plasma free fatty acids and 3-hydroxybutyrate.

In addition, the laboratory provides specialist testing for the investigation of peroxisomal disorders (plasma very long chain fatty acid analysis, including pristanic and phytanic acids), Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (plasma 7-dehydrocholesterol and 8-dehydrocholesterol)

The Metabolic Biochemistry department is a Centre for Galactosemia investigations and offers a variety of tests for the diagnosis and monitoring of disorders of galactose metabolism including:

  • first line galactosaemia screens,
  • quantitative galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase activity for confirmation of classical galactosaemia;
  • urine galactitol for screening and monitoring of galactokinase deficiency or screening for classical galactosaemia if infant has been transfused;
  • galactokinase activity for confirmation of galactokinase deficiency;
  • galactose-1-phosphate for monitoring treatment of classical galactosaemia.

The Metabolic Biochemistry Laboratory at Southmead Hospital is a member of the UK National Metabolic Biochemistry Network (MetBioNet). 

The Metabolic Biochemistry laboratory works very closely with the Southwest Newborn Screening Laboratory to aid in the diagnostic testing to support the newborn screening programmes and monitoring of patients identified though the Inherited Metabolic Disease screening programmes. Bloodspot monitoring for PKU (Phenylalanine and tyrosine) and CAH (17-OHP) for known patients and testing for hypothyroidism on bloodspot (TSH)

We provide a comprehensive advisory service and welcome enquiries to discuss appropriate patient investigation and result interpretation. Clinical and laboratory advice is available during working hours, via contacts listed.

Details of Sample Requirements and Transport can be found under “Requesting” and “Test Information” via the menu at the top of this page.

For any urgent analyses or additional testing on samples already received, please telephone the laboratory to discuss.

CSF amino acid reference ranges currently in use
CSF analyte<6 months6m - 1 year1 - 5 years5 years
Glycine2-152-102-102-10
Threonine21-11512-5512-5512-55
Serine32-8027-6324-5608-44
Alanine18-5913-4113-4113-41

(Source: CSF amino acid reference intervals from the Cardiff Working Group, MetBioNet)

User Handbook

Request form


 

User Survey

Useful Links

National Metabolic Biochemistry Network (MetBioNet)
British Inherited Metabolic Diseases Group
Cardiff Porphyria Service

Metabolic Biochemistry

Roanna George, Consultant Clinical Scientist
roanna.george@nbt.nhs.uk
Tel: 0117 4148425

Maryam Khan, Principal Clinical Scientist
maryam.khan@nbt.nhs.uk
maryam.khan2@nhs.net
Tel: 0117 4148418

Zuzanna Miklankova, Senior Biomedical Scientist
zuzana.miklankova@nbt.nhs.uk
Tel: 0117 4148430/4148346

Katherine Carr, Senior Biomedical Scientist
katherine.carr@nbt.nhs.uk
Tel: 0117 4148430/4148346

Clare Le Masurier, Senior Biomedical Scientist
clare.lemasurier@nbt.nhs.uk 
clare.lemasurier1@nhs.net 
Tel: 0117 4148430/4148346

Emma Smith-Thomas, Senior Clinical Scientist
emma.smith-thomas@nbt.nhs.uk
Tel: 0117 4148427

Southwest Newborn Screening and Metabolic Biochemistry Laboratory
Pathology Sciences Building
Southmead Hospital
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol,  BS10 5NB
Telephone: 0117 4148346

NBS&MetabolicBiochemistry@nbt.nhs.uk

 

Opening times: 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday excluding Bank Holidays

National Metabolic Biochemistry Network includes national guidelines for investigation of inherited metabolic disorders.

Biochemical Genetics

5-Week Follow-Up

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Information from the Breast CNS Team

This page is supportive information to back up a face-to-face session. This is ideally done 5 weeks after your operation. We are happy for you to come at a later date if you cannot make the original date offered. 

What's next?

Your treatment can include any or all, of the following: 

  • Radiotherapy.
  • Endocrine medication.
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Surveillance mammograms. 

Please call the CNS team on 0117 414 7000 when you have completed your treatment at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC). 

Long-term follow-up

You will probably have the following: 

  • 5-years of surveillance mammograms.
    • These are yearly appointments from the date of your surgery.
  • Open access to the team.
    • If you have any worries or concerns about your breasts, you can contact the Breast Care Centre or the CNS team directly instead of your GP.
  • My Medical Records (MMR).
    • Self-monitoring website, with access to your monitoring plan and results, information resources, message centre (for nonurgent queries).
  • Discharge after 10 years.

Personalised care and support planning appointment and Living Well Day

Personalised care and support planning appointment:

  • Within 6 months you will be offered a Holistic Needs Assessment.
  • This is an appointment with one of our Cancer Support Workers to discuss moving forward.

Living Well Day (within 1 year of diagnosis):

  • A day that covers multiple topics about staying well and has guest speakers.

Living Well Course:

  • This is run by our psychologists and supported by the CNS and CSW team. Please ask your CNS for more details. 

Vita Health Group:

Breast pain

Breast pain following treatment is very common in women of all ages. 

Three types:

  • Cyclical.
  • Non-cyclical.
  • Referred pain. 

YouTube video explaining breast pain:

Breast pain is very common for up to 1 year post radiotherapy. If you are having trouble, we can refer you to the Late Effect Team who help with the effects of radiotherapy. 

Lymphoedema

Patients who have had a sentinel node biopsy or auxiliary node clearance, these actions may help prevent lymphoedema developing

  • Massage and moisturise the area.
  • Avoid breaks in the skin, use factor 50 SPF, have blood taken from and vaccines in the opposite arm from your surgery.
  • Early detection helps.
  • You will need an appointment with Breast Care Centre before referral to the lymphoedema team. 

Penny Brohn UK - Lymphoedema support group. 

Managing lymphoedema | Breast Cancer Now 

Exercise and energise

If you have been given post operative arm movements, keep them going. 

These can help with getting moving: 

  • Energise classes – Horfield Leisure Centre and EA Stadium, Clevedon. Self-referral on Bristol City Council Website.
  • NHS APP – Brisk Walking.
  • Dietician – Macmillan have a self-referral form. Not specifically for weight management, but how to best 'fuel' your body.
  • Fatigue – Macmillan, Bosom Buddies and Penny Brohn run courses on fatigue management.
  • If you are concerned about bone density, then the site is full of useful advice: Osteoporosis: Exercise for bone health

Fatigue

Fatigue is more common than people think and is very different to feeling tired. 

These resources have information about fatigue and how to manage it. 

The Gloucester Team have put together 4 online videos on managing fatigue, diet, exercise and psychological wellbeing:

Royal College of Occupational Therapists – Managing Fatigue. Not Cancer specific:

Breast Cancer Now – Cancer-related fatigue:

Menopausal symptoms

If your cancer was hormone responsive, you are likely to take hormone repressive medication. 

The web sites below offer great advice: 

Complex Menopausal Referral – can be referred by your Breast Consultant.

Self-assessment

Touch, Look, Check

 (Even if you have had a mastectomy)

  1. Check your breast once a month.
  2. Stand in front of a mirror and put your arms over your head. Look for puckering,    dimples or redness to the skin.
  3. Raise arm above your head and using the flat of your hand, start at the 12 o’clock position and roll to centre of breast. Complete the clock face.
  4. Make sure to check your axillary tail (bit between your breast and armpit).
  5. With one arm raised, check under arm and along clavicle bone. 

The CoppaFeel! website has more information and checking your breasts: How To Check Your Breasts, Pecs or Chest | CoppaFeel!

Symptoms to report

The most common recurrences (when the cancer comes back) are in the breast and most likely picked up on surveillance mammograms. 

If you have any of these for 4 weeks or more, that don’t stop at all and don’t get better with regular medication, please get in touch.

  1. Persistent cough and shortness of breath.
  2. Severe or on-going headaches
  3. Loss of balance, weakness or numbness in limbs, altered vision
  4. Pain in bones, back, hip, rib etc. that does not get better with pain relief and gets worse at night.
  5. Feeling bloated or not being able to go to the toilet. Feeling full quickly or change to appetite, or unexpected weight loss.
  6. Discomfort or swelling under your right rib (where your liver is). Can radiate across abdomen.
  7. Feeling more tired than normal. 

Penny Brohn

Located in Pill, this is a great place with multiple treatment support programmes, or just to have a very tasty lunch!

  • Regular group sessions/in person activities – Yoga, relaxation, nutrition support, QI Gong, creativity workshops, strength and stamina classes.
  • Self-care resources
  • Personal consultations
  • Visit the grounds for a walk
  • Go to the café. 

Penny Brohn UK – Cancer wellbeing for everyone

Screenshot of the Penny Brohn website homepage

Maggie’s House

Maggie’s House centres offer support to anyone with cancer or their loved ones.  Support offered includes: 

  • Cancer support specialist available.
  • Pilates.
  • Benefits advice and support.
  • Choir.
  • Tai Chi.
  • Managing stress course.
  • Fitness sessions.
  • Relaxation sessions.
  • Where now post treatment course.

Maggie's | Everyone's home of cancer care

Screenshot of the Maggie's House website homepage

Bosom Buddies

This group helps patients and families dealing with effects of breast cancer. Meetings are at 19:00 on the first Tuesday of each month at:

BAWA club, 
589 Southmead Road, 
Bristol,
BS34 7RG. 

  • Guest speakers.
  • Monthly lunches – at Penny Brohn.
  • Complementary therapies – a place to treat yourself and recharge.
  • Workshops – wellness days throughout the year covering different and useful topics. 

Home - Bosom Buddies Bristol

Macmillan Centre

The centre provides information and support around cancer including:

  • Information leaflets.
  • Advice and support.
  • Relaxed area to have refreshments and talk.
  • Information and support groups.
  • Quiet rooms for one-to-one support.
  • Care planning with a Macmillan Cancer Support Worker.
  • Health and wellbeing events.
  • Breast prosthesis fitting.
  • Physiotherapy.
  • Dietitian.
  • Psychological support.
  • Benefits advice.
  • Complementary therapies.
  • Arts on referral.

My Medical Record

My Medical Record is a free and secure website where you can access information about your post cancer treatment follow-up, access to information resources and message centre.

If you would like access to My Medical Record or have any questions, please contact: BreastMMR@nbt.nhs.uk

My Medical Record logo

End of treatment summary

At the end of your active treatment, you will receive a treatment summary from your consultant. A copy will also be sent to your GP. 

Following this you may be offered a Cancer Care Review by the GP Practice.

Moving forward

Although you have the continued support of the whole team at Southmead, this page also shows you what other support there is out there. 

Breast Cancer Now

We're Breast Cancer Now | Breast Cancer Now

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published December 2025. Review due December 2028. NBT003834.