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Clinical Nurse Specialists

Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are registered nurses with skills and experience in caring for people with cancer. 

CNS can help you understand your cancer diagnosis and treatment and offer support to you, and the people close to you. If you have a query about your diagnosis or treatment, you want to talk things through or find more support, our CNS Team is here for you.

Neuro-Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist

We are aware that being diagnosed with a brain tumour affects patients and families differently and that a personalised and sensitive approach is needed to provide individualised support. We support people living with primary brain tumours who are managed under the oncology service at The Royal Berkshire Hospital and live in Berkshire.

Many of our patients have neuro-surgery as part of their management. This is carried out by the neuro-surgical team at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. We have strong links to our neuro- surgical colleagues making sure any handover to them or back to the Berkshire Cancer Centre is seamless.

We offer regular holistic assessment to our patients so that any needs can be identified. This often results in onward referrals to a range of additional services for example:

  • Neuro-rehab and neuro-psychology services
  • Dietetics
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Citizens advice
  • Palliative care services.
  • Visual support

Via telephone 8.30am-4.30pm Monday - Friday excluding bank holidays 0118 322 8542.  

There is a voicemail service for you to leave a message if there is no answer. Messages are picked up throughout the day during working hours. Please leave your name, date of birth and number and the CNS or Support Worker will contact you to discuss your questions/concerns over the telephone.

Alternatively you can contact us via email: neurooncologynurse@royalberkshire.nhs.uk

Please note messages may not be responded to until the next working day. This is not for emergencies.

Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist

The breast cancer clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are nurses who specialise in breast cancer. They provide a link and point of contact for you and your family. They are able to offer increased levels of support, advice and guidance. They are there to help you and the people close to you navigate through the impacts of the breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

Via telephone 8.30am-4.30pm Monday - Friday excluding bank holidays 0118 322 7420.

There is a voicemail service for you to leave a message if there is no answer. Messages are picked up throughout the day during working hours. Please leave your name, date of birth and number and the CNS or Support Worker will contact you to discuss your questions/concerns over the telephone.

Alternatively you can contact us via email: breastcarenurses@royalberkshire.nhs.uk.  

Please note messages may not be responded to until the next working day. This is not for emergencies. 

Secondary Breast Cancer (Metastatic) Clinical Nurse Specialist

The Metastatic Breast CNS provides information and support on diagnosis and treatment, practical, emotional, psychological, social and financial support. The CNS works closely with your consultant oncologist and other healthcare professionals, and can arrange referrals and signposting to other services and professionals for care and support. She can also offer a holistic needs assessment and a nurse led clinic which runs alongside the Enhanced Supportive Care team.   

Via telephone 8.30am-4.30pm Monday - Friday excluding bank holidays 0118 322 7420.

There is a voicemail service for you to leave a message if there is no answer. Messages are picked up throughout the day during working hours. Please leave your name, date of birth and number and the CNS or Support Worker will contact you to discuss your questions/concerns over the telephone.

Alternatively you can contact us via email: breastcarenurses@royalberkshire.nhs.uk.  

Please note messages may not be responded to until the next working day. This is not for emergencies.

Colorectal Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist

The colorectal cancer clinical nurse specialist (CNS) aims to offer support, guidance and coordinate your care whilst offering continuity through being a central point of contact. The CNS is usually present in clinic at diagnosis together with a consultant.

The CNS acts as a link between you and the various other healthcare professionals / hospitals involved in your care. We also liaise with GPs and other community carers to ensure high levels of care in the community. We work closely with a team of consultant surgeons, consultant oncologist (cancer doctor), medical staff, radiologists and pathologists. Together we form a multidisciplinary team (MDT). The CNS is a core member of the MDT and acts as your key worker and advocate throughout your care.

Via telephone 8.30am-4.30pm Monday - Friday excluding bank holidays 0118 322 7182.

There is a voicemail service for you to leave a message if there is no answer. Messages are picked up throughout the day during working hours. Please leave your name, date of birth and number and the CNS or Support Worker will contact you to discuss your questions/concerns over the telephone.

Alternatively you can contact us via email: colorectalnurses@royalberskhire.nhs.uk

Please note messages may not be responded to until the next working day. This is not for emergencies.

Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist

The skin cancer nursing service offers support to patients who are undergoing tests for suspected or who are known to have sarcoma and will be admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital while undergoing treatment. We act as a service to facilitate communication between the sarcoma patient and their specialist centre and also to offer support to patients and their families.

We aim to support you and your family from diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. The majority of skin cancers are caused by radiation damage, secondary to sun exposure or sunbed use. The skin cancer nurses role is to support patients and educate them about sun safety and skin surveillance. We also offer the Macmillan holistic needs assessment and sign posting.

You can contact us by telephone or email Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) from 8.30am to 4.30pm.