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Pre Operative Assessment Clinic at Southmead

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The Pre Operative Assessment Clinic at Southmead Hospital is located at the end of Donal Early Way, past the Central Delivery Suite and through the car park. You can also walk there from the Brunel main entrance.

Patients will be notified if they are required to be seen at the clinic.

 

Pedestrian route from the Brunel main entrance:

  1. Exit the Brunel building through the main doors and turn right to follow the path alongside the building.
  2. Reach the road and look to your right. You will see a hedge with a gap and the beginning of a path. Cross the road and proceed to the path.
  3. Follow the path. You will see the Willow Café on your right. Just past the café, you should start seeing signs for "Pre-operative assessment".
  4. Continue on the path to the right, and then around to the left.
  5. In the distance, you will see another sign near a Zebra crossing. Once you reach the Zebra crossing, cross it and follow the sign to the left, past the Rosa Burden Centre, towards the Antenatal Clinic.
  6. You will come to another sign near a car park barrier. Follow the path around to the right and you should see an archway. Proceed through the archway.
  7. On the other side, you will see another sign guiding you to the left.
  8. Follow the winding path that ends at Weston Clinic, Pre-operative Assessment.

Driving route from Monks Park Way entrance:

  1. Continue on Monks Park Way until you reach the roundabout by the Brunel main entrance.
  2. Turn left at the roundabout onto Dorian Way.
  3. Take the first left onto Donal Early Way.
  4. You will pass the Rosa Burden Centre before reaching the Antenatal Clinic.  
  5. Take the left hand fork at the Antenatal Clinic which will lead round to a car park with a barrier for cars.
  6. Turn right into the car park.
  7. Continue through the carpark following it all the way around the buildings to the Pre Operative Assessment Clinic entrance.
  8. The Pre Operative Assessment Clinic is at the very end of the car park so if in doubt, keep following this car park.

Travel and parking information

Travel and additional parking information for Southmead Hospital can be found on the Southmead Hospital Bristol page

Toxicology

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Specialist Toxicology, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Trace Metal Service

The specialist and manual techniques section provides specialist analysis of toxic compounds, therapeutic drugs and trace metals.  This is supported by guidance on appropriate test selection and sample requirements.  Interpretative advice on results is always available to clinicians, pathologists and coroners.  However please note we are not able to deal directly with patients or members of the public.

Service Details:

Clinical Toxicology Service

Emergency toxicology analysis is available in cases of suspected acute poisoning, with analysis of ethylene glycol and methanol available on-site. These requests must be discussed fully the Duty Biochemist or on-call consultant out of hours prior to samples being taken.  Subsequent ethanol monitoring can also be arranged if not available locally.

Drugs of abuse testing of urine samples is offered mainly to monitor drug dependency treatment programmes, but is also available for other clinical applications.  Appropriate confirmation of positive results is also available.  If this is required on an urgent basis, this must be discussed with the Duty Biochemist.

Post Mortem Toxicology for Coroners and Pathologists

A non-forensic post-mortem toxicology service is provided to pathologists and coroners within the Southwest region. Measurement of drug levels in blood is carried out using up to date mass spectrometry techniques. Routine analysis includes alcohol and commonly encountered drugs of abuse, with targeted analysis for therapeutic drugs guided by the case information provided.  Biochemical analysis of vitreous humour is also available, for example in cases of suspected ketoacidosis. Each case is reported with a full interpretation; in the majority of routine cases reports are available within two to four weeks.  In more complex cases samples may be referred externally for specialised drug analysis, allowing us to provide a comprehensive toxicology report.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

We also provide a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) service primarily for the immunosuppressant drugs tacrolimus, cyclosporin and sirolimus.  Other TDM assays are available in the biochemistry automated laboratory.

Trace Metal Analysis

Trace metals analysis (including lead, copper, zinc, selenium, cobalt and chromium) is available for clinical applications, environmental exposure and occupational monitoring. This is provided using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS).

Please see below for responses to our most recent user survey

Service Leads

Peter Beresford
Consultant Clinical Scientist
Telephone: 0117 4148415

Nicola Crabbe
Lead Biomedical Scientist
Telephone: 0117 4148450

 

Contact Toxicology

Peter Beresford
Consultant Clinical Scientist
Telephone: 0117 4148415

Nicola Crabbe
Lead Biomedical Scientist
Telephone: 0117 4148450

Toxicology
Drugs Interfering with the Metabolism of Tacrolimus (FK506).pdf Lithium Monitoring - Statement Of Good Practice.pdf Obtaining Post Mortem Samples for Toxicological Analysis_0.pdf Guidelines for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring_0.pdf Urine Drugs of Abuse Screening - Summary Information.pdf

Clinical Health Psychology Service

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Would you like to meet with a clinical psychologist?

Having a long-term health condition can be stressful, upsetting, and difficult to manage. 

Why are there clinical psychologists in the medical teams? 

Trying to fit a health condition into everyday life including work, family, and a social life is a challenge. It can be difficult to manage at times, and family can also worry. Sometimes it can feel difficult to come to terms with limitations and changes to daily life. There can be a sense of loss and grief.

Talking to a clinical psychologist can help you adjust and to understand what is going on in your life, and to live with the condition.

A clinical psychologist can help with:

  • Strong emotions such as sadness, fear, anger - especially when first diagnosed.
  • Anxiety relating to your condition (for example panic attacks, worry, and avoidance).
  • Feeling down or depressed; having no energy or lack of sleep.
  • Learning to live with and managing your condition.
  • Support and technique to help you make lifestyle changes.
  • Support around self-care issues.
  • Managing stress and feeling overwhelmed.
  • Relationship issues, sex life.

Should I contact my GP, mental health services or the Clinical Psychology team? 

If you have experienced long term mental health difficulties or your main concern is not related to your health condition, then your GP or NHS Talking Therapies are likely to support you best. NHS Talking Therapies offers a variety of short-term psychological therapies for a range of mental health difficulties.

Phone: 0333 200 1892

NHS Talking Therapies also has some free, instant-access, self-help resources on the website: NHS Talking Therapies - North Somerset & South Gloucestershire

If you feel your emotional distress relates specifically to your physical health then the Clinical Psychology Team at NBT might be able to support you, or suggest something which could help. 

If you would like to make an appointment with our Clinical Psychology team

Phone 0117 414 6407

Email psychologymedicine@nbt.nhs.uk

Please leave your name, phone number, and date of birth. Once you have contact us, we will arrange a conversation with you as soon as possible. When you meet the clinical psychologist for the first time you will be able to discuss what would be most helpful for you, and agree the next steps together. This can be done in person (in Southmead Hospital), or over the phone if you prefer.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published March 2025. Review due March 2028. NBT003227

Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialists

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The Haematology Nurse Specialist (CNS) Team

The Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialists are experts in haematology cancer care; we work as part of the Cancer Support Team and Multidisciplinary team (the different professionals working together to provide the appropriate care for you). We can answer your questions and give you information about your diagnosis, treatment, and support available during and after your care.

Cancer Support Worker (CSW) 

The Cancer Support Team also has Support Workers who work alongside the haematology team. They are trained to provide support and non-clinical information about physical, emotional, and practical concerns during your diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring, up until discharge from our care.

The Cancer Support Worker will help you to self-manage through your recovery and/or monitoring, helping you return to a healthy lifestyle as soon as possible. The Cancer Support Worker can help refer you to services such as dietitians, physiotherapy, and psychology which are available free of charge through Macmillan, and also inform you about the support available in the community that might help reach your goals.

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. This can be done by: 

  • Using a holistic needs assessment, a questionnaire that will prompt you to think about areas that might be of concern you.
  • Developing an agreed plan of care to address your concerns. 

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 makes sure 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

How to contact us

NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre 
Southmead Hospital 
BS10 5NB 
Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:15 
Phone 0117 414 7051

Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist 
Phone 07545 421 893 
Email haemotologycns@nbt.nhs.uk

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published January 2025. Review due January 2028. NBT003164

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Clinical Biochemistry - Endocrine Investigations

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Pituitary

 

 

 

Adrenal

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thyroid & Parathyroid

 

Pancreas

 

 

 

Gonadal

 

 

Neuroendocrine

 

Related links

Clinical Biochemistry - Clinical Updates

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Clinical updates

As part of the changes to the Clinical Biochemistry testing platform and reference ranges, we have taken the opportunity to align further with the Royal College of Pathologists - The communication of critical and unexpected pathology results, which will be replacing our previous Out of Hours protocol.

 

Previous communications about test changes

Out of Hours Protocol – Reporting of Markedly Abnormal Results.pdf

Young Person’s Diabetes Group

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  • Feeling stressed or worried about diabetes?
  • Feeling frustrated, angry or burnt out?
  • Is diabetes impacting work, studies or relationships?
  • Are you struggling with moving to adult services?
  • Do you feel alone with diabetes or as if no-one gets it?

The Young People’s Diabetes Group at Southmead Hospital offers an opportunity for young individuals who attend the young person’s diabetes clinic to learn more about managing diabetes and, to connect with others who share similar experiences.

The six-sessions are 90 minutes each and are led by a clinical psychologist where participants can gain valuable support in a safe and understanding environment. Plus, the convenience of joining via computer or mobile phone makes it accessible to everyone.

To join, speak to your diabetes nurse or consultant, or email the psychology team with your name and hospital number at psychologymedicine@nbt.nhs.uk.

Clinical Neuropsychology

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Information for patients referred to Clinical Neuropsychology at North Bristol NHS Trust. 

Why have I been sent this appointment?

You might be referred to see a neuropsychologist for a number of reasons including:

  • To help you and/or your healthcare providers understand more about how your thinking skills are working, to assist with making a medical diagnosis, or assess the impact of a neurological condition/illness on your thinking skills, mood, and coping.
  • To help evaluate your suitability for surgery or to monitor the effects of surgery or medical treatment.
  • To try and identify what might help with any changes to thinking, emotions, or behaviour you are experiencing.
  • To help you cope with the effects of a neurological illness or injury and/or provide advice on cognitive strategies or psychological treatments that may be useful to you.

You have been sent this appointment for an assessment:

  • To see how your brain is working and/or how you are coping with a neurological injury/condition.
  • To try to identify what would help you cope better with your difficulties.

The primary purpose of your assessment will be explained to you at your appointment. 

What is a neuropsychologist?

Neuropsychologists are psychologists who specialise in understanding the link between the brain and behaviour. 

Neuropsychological assessments are a way of describing and measuring the effects that changes in the brain can have on thinking skills, behaviour, and emotion.

Changes in thinking skills and behaviour may be caused by aging, brain damage or disease, and sometimes by stress or low mood.  

Neuropsychologists also commonly provide rehabilitation and treatment to help people manage and work around any difficulties they might have. 

What happens when I see a neuropsychologist?

Your appointment will be with one or more members of the neuropsychology team. Usually, you will discuss your difficulties with the neuropsychologist, who will take notes of what you say. These notes will become part of your healthcare record. You will be able to ask questions. 

You can have someone with you, such as a friend or family member, if that is helpful, for example for support or because they can offer helpful information about your difficulties. This discussion will happen either over the phone, video-call, or face to face.

When you attend the appointment(s):

  • You will be asked to discuss your difficulties with a neuropsychologist.
  • You will be asked to do some tests of your thinking skills, like memory.
  • You may be asked to complete some questionnaires about your emotions, for example stress and worry, or feelings of unhappiness. 

If appropriate, you will have an assessment of your thinking skills, such as your memory ability, and of how you are feeling emotionally. This will be done either face to face or by video-call, through questionnaires and cognitive tests. The assessment requires concentration and effort and some people may feel tired afterwards.

Details of your appointment will be in your letter.

Once you have completed the assessment the neuropsychologist will write a report of the findings and may contact you to discuss the results and possible ways forward. The report will be shared with your referring doctor and other members of your healthcare team as appropriate.  

A copy may be sent to you routinely, or if not, is available upon request. 

A neuropsychology report typically includes an explanation of the tasks given and the scores that were achieved. It may include an opinion about the likely cause of any difficulties observed as well as some recommendations for how to help with any problems identified. 

Sometimes the report might be difficult to understand or you might have further questions, in which case you should contact us so that we can assist you. 

Depending on the service pathway, and what was agreed with the neuropsychologist, you may have further appointments with members of the neuropsychology team to help you with your cognitive and/or emotional difficulties.

After you have attended: 

  • A report will be written by the neuropsychologist which will go to the referrer or other appropriate members of your healthcare team.
  • In some services the report is also sent to you.
  • Depending on the service pathway, you may also be invited to attend further appointments for rehabilitation or therapy.
  • If you have any questions about the report or what happens next please contact us. 

What do I need for the appointment?

On the day:

  • Please have your glasses and hearing aids with you if you need them.
  • Please take any medication as you normally would.
  • You may find it helpful to write down any questions ahead of the appointment.

Consent

You will be asked by the neuropsychologist if you agree (consent) to the assessment and, if appropriate, any relevant treatment. The neuropsychologist will explain the assessment and/or treatment to you and you can ask any questions that you may have.  

You are free to decide whether or not you want to have the assessment or treatment offered. 

By consenting you agree that:

  • The neuropsychologist can take notes of what is said and done during your work with them.  
  • These notes will form part of your healthcare record.
  • You agree to undertake the tasks of the assessment and/or treatment as appropriate.
  • You agree a report summarising appropriate details of your discussion with the neuropsychologist, the results of your assessment, and any treatment can be shared with your GP and treating healthcare team as required. 

Personal data

We will process personal data to enable us to provide neuropsychological services to you. This information may include personal details, family details, lifestyle and social circumstances, employment and education details, and physical and mental health details. 

In order to carry out our work we need to process personal information about our patients, their relatives/guardians and sometimes other professionals. 

We sometimes need to share the personal information we process with the individual, and also with other organisations. Where this is necessary we are required to comply with all aspects of relevant law. 

Confidentiality

Information discussed and shared with the neuropsychologist or staff under their supervision, along with the results of any assessment or treatment undertaken and reports or letters written, will remain confidential within your healthcare record. 

We will share this information with members of your healthcare team as part of your care. We will not share this information with people outside of your healthcare team without your permission. 

There are, however, circumstances in which we are legally required to breach confidentiality. Under these circumstances we will make all reasonable efforts to inform you of the need to share information. We will breach confidentiality if we believe failure to do so will result in harm to you or others. Specifically, we will breach confidentiality if we believe a child is at serious risk of harm, we believe there is serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or if we believe you have not disclosed relevant information that you are required by law to disclose, such as a condition that will likely affect your ability to safely work or drive.

Supervision of staff, students, and trainees

Supervision of staff

Staff within the Department of Neuropsychology receive supervision of their work from a senior clinician to maintain and improve their skills. Within this they may discuss details of their treatment with you. The supervisor is bound by the same rules of confidentiality as outlined above.

Students and trainees

North Bristol NHS Trust is a teaching trust and we often have students and trainees working within the Department of Neuropsychology. If you do not wish for them to be present during your assessment or treatment please let us know. Your decision will not affect the treatment you receive. 

Concerns or complaints

You may not wish to raise a complaint, but would like us to be aware of an issue and try and make it right. If you need advice or have a concern at North Bristol NHS Trust the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can be contacted at:

Email: pals@nbt.nhs.uk
Phone: 0117 414 4569

If you wish to make a formal complaint you can:

Complete our online form: www.nbt.nhs.uk/patients-carers/feedback/advice-complaints/raise-a-conce…

Email: complaint@nbt.nhs.uk

Phone: 0117 414 4567

Write to: 

Complaints Team,
Beaufort House,
Southmead Hospital
Bristol
BS10 5NB

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published February 2024. Review due February 2027. NBT002933

Contact Neuropsychology

Department of Neuropsychology
Rosa Burden Centre
Donal Early Way
Southmead Hospital
Bristol
BS10 5NB

Phone: 0117 414 0454
Email: neuropsychology@nbt.nhs.uk

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Genomic testing in inherited Breast Cancer (Test Code R208)

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Why have I been offered an inherited breast cancer genetic test (R208)?

You are being offered this test because of your breast cancer diagnosis and because you meet the current national criteria for genetic testing. 
The test may give us information about why you developed breast cancer and about your risks of developing new cancers in the future. As this test looks for inherited (germline) variants, it may have implications for your future health and for your family. If we find that you have an increased risk of future cancers’ we will discuss screening and risk reducing methods with you. 
Please take time to ask all the questions that you need to. If you don’t feel ready to have a test right now, your team can store a DNA sample and revisit this with you at a later date. If you decide not to have a genomic test you will still get the best possible health care, based on what we know about your cancer.
 

Is breast cancer inherited?

Most breast cancer is not inherited. Breast cancer is a common condition, it affects around one in seven women in the UK. Only a minority of breast, around 5-10%, are influenced by a genetic variant. Genes which influence breast cancer risk generally fall into one of two categories: 
 

High risk breast cancer genes. These genes can cause a high lifetime risk of breast cancer. High risk is defined as a lifetime breast cancer risk of 30-80%. Examples of high risk genes include BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2. These genes also influence the risk of ovarian cancer. There may be some increased risk of other cancers, depending on family history. 
 

Moderate risk breast cancer genes. These genes increase breast cancer risk, but not as strongly as the high risk genes. Moderate risk genes typically cause a lifetime breast cancer risk of 20-30%, depending on family history. Examples of moderate risk genes include CHEK2 and RAD51C. Some of these genes also influence ovarian cancer risk. Moderate risk genes were discovered more recently, so we are still learning about their effect on cancer risk. 
 

Inheritance: If a parent has a gene variant, there is a 50% chance of passing it on each time they have a child. This is not influenced by sex; we all have these genes and either parent can pass them on to any child.
 

What happens in a Genetic Test?

Genomic testing in inherited Breast Cancer (Test Code R208) is carried out on a blood sample. 


If you decide to have the R208 genetic test, your healthcare professional will discuss this with you and there is a form to complete which records your choices. Your blood sample will be sent to our regional Genomics Laboratory Hub for testing. Testing usually takes between 2 to 3 months. This test is about your cancer and inherited breast cancer risk, it does not look for changes in DNA that may cause other health conditions.


The R208 gene panel includes a number of genes and the laboratory will add to it as we learn more about cancer genetics. Only genes with a proven influence on breast cancer risk will be added. If you have specific questions about the genes currently included in the R208 test, please discuss these with your healthcare professional. If required, you have the option to speak to a genetic specialist before making your decision about testing. Everyone who tests positive, or has a significant family history, will be offered a referral to a genetic specialist.
 

Your Genomic Test results

Once your sample has been taken the results are returned to your healthcare professional who will share them with you. There are three outcomes to this genetic test: 
Positive: A variant is found in a breast cancer gene. 
Negative (normal): No variants were found in the genes tested. 
Inconclusive: A gene variant was found but its significance is unclear.
 

1. What does it mean if a gene variant is found on my genetic test?
This is likely to explain why you developed breast cancer. Your breast cancer team will inform you of the result and consider this information when planning your treatment.

You will be referred to Clinical Genetics so that you can discuss your result in more detail. Clinical Genetics will explain what the test result means for your future risk of cancer, your options for cancer screening and measures to reduce these risks.

A test will be available for your relatives to assess their genetic cancer risk. Clinical Genetics will support you in sharing the information with family members, so that everyone gets the care they need.

2. What does it mean if no gene variants are found on my genetic test?
This is the most common result. This result means it is unlikely that your breast cancer was caused by an inherited gene variant. The risk of future cancers (in you or your relatives) is unlikely to be raised unless you have a significant family history of cancer.

If you have a significant family history of cancer you will be referred to Clinical Genetics for further discussion.

3.    What does an inconclusive result mean?
People are diverse and there is a lot of variation within our genes. Some gene variants have no effect on how a gene functions. If a new or rare variant is picked up, it can hard to predict whether it affects cancer risk, or whether it is just harmless variation.

If the scientists cannot be sure of a variant’s effect, they will report it as an uncertain finding. (In technical terms this is called a “variant of uncertain significance”, or “VUS”). If an uncertain variant is found, you may be referred to Clinical Genetics so that they can assess this for you and your family.
 

Further information about Cancer Genomic Testing

Cancer Genomics 

Cancer occurs when damage inside of a cell results in that cell growing and dividing in an uncontrolled manner. Some cancers are triggered by specific environmental factors, such as smoking, UV light or radiation. Most cancers involve a number of different factors and are essentially a chance event, one that becomes more common as we age. In a small number of cases cancer can be caused by an inherited gene “variant”, one that can be passed on between generations. 


Genomic testing is increasingly being used in cancer treatment pathways. This kind of testing may help us to understand: 


•    Why you developed a cancer 
•    Which treatments may be most effective for your cancer 
•    If you are at risk of developing a further cancer in the future and potential screening and risk reducing options 
•    Whether your relatives are at increased risk of cancer
 

What is a Genomic test? 

A gene is a specific sequence of DNA. Each gene performs a particular role in the body, some genes help to prevent cancer. A “variant” is a different code to the standard gene sequence. Changes to the gene sequence can affect how the gene functions. 


The exact effect depends on the gene involved. There are different types of genetic tests: inherited (germline) and cancer-specific (somatic).


Testing for inherited variants (germline) testing

This test, called R208, is an inherited variant test. This test can pick up gene variants that are present in all of your cells and have been present since you were born. Your DNA is a combination of both of your parents, so this type of gene variant is usually inherited. Inherited (germline) variants may tell us why a cancer occurred. These variants may also predict the risk of future cancers, in you and your relatives.


Testing for cancer-specific (somatic) variants 

This is separate to the R208 test but might be mentioned by your cancer treatment team. A somatic test looks at the DNA in your tumour, rather than the DNA in the rest of your body. These variants are not inherited and cannot be passed on. Somatic variants may give us information about your cancer type, or what treatment is most suitable for you.


Are other cancers associated with these genes? 

The R208 genes primarily influence breast and ovarian cancer risk. Some R208 genes also influence the risk of other cancers, although this risk is smaller than the risk of breast cancer. Associated cancers can include; ovarian cancer for women. Pancreatic and skin cancer for men and women. As well as prostate and male breast cancer for men.


Important information about your data 

Your genomic data and samples will be stored as part of your health record. DNA samples may be used anonymously for quality control. All data is kept securely and confidentially in line with UK law and NHS policy. More information can be found at www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/privacy-notice Information in this guide should be used to supplement professional advice specific to your circumstances. If you have any questions, it is important to ask your medical team 
 

'BReast CAncer genes and me'

‘BReast CAncer Genes and Me’ is a digital patient empowerment project that’s set to transform the experience of people with a diagnosis of breast cancer that might have implications on other family members.

The project introduces the concept of genetic testing for breast cancer in an accessible format, presented as a six-part series of colourful animations. Each video features digestible information accompanied by gentle music and a clear voiceover that takes the participant through the process and implications of genetic testing.

This project has been developed as part of a Collaborative Working initiative between the South West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance and AstraZeneca UK, and has been co-designed by clinicians and patients alike, providing an overview of the genetic testing pathway from start to finish. We have been working with Magentus Global Health Tech for our digital solution.

BReast CAncer Genes and Me aims to streamline the consent process for breast cancer genetic testing through a digital consent pathway, supporting patients and their families through every stage and guiding them to become confident decision-makers.

View the videos on our YouTube channel.

Acute Oncology Nurse Specialist and Support Team

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The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Team

The Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists are experts in acute 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.

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 lifestyle as soon as possible.

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 you 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 may 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, this is called shared decision making. Shared decision making ensures that you are supported to make decisions that are right for you. It 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 may 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 decisions? 

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 number: 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. 

How to contact us

Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists 
Gate 10, Brunel building 
Southmead Hospital 
Bristol 
BS10 5NB 

Acute Oncology Number 07860 783116 

Macmillan Wellbeing Centre 0117 414 7051

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published June 2024. Review due June 2027. NBT002801.

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