The Acute Oncology Service (AOS) is run by a team of specialist nurses on the Basingstoke and Winchester sites.
We can assist with advice about complications of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC).
We can support you through your cancer care journey. Our aims are:
- To provide advice on managing side effects
- To provide support for clinical staff caring for you
- To provide ongoing advice and support for your and your family.
- To provide rapid referral to other specialties as required
- To inform and provide a link with your oncologist
- To reduce your length of stay in hospital, should you be admitted
Acute oncology specialist nurses are available 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. There is always a nurse specialist who takes responsibilty for answering the calls outside of hours to ensure you have access to specialist advise 24/7, every day of the year.
The Acute Oncology Team ensure that cancer patients who develop an acute cancer related or cancer treatment related problem receive the care they need quickly and in the most appropriate setting.
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's Acute Oncology Service (AOS) covers the following patient groups:
- Patients in whom a first diagnosis of cancer is made in the emergency setting, known as Malignancy of Unknown Origin (MUO)
- Patients with known cancer who present as an emergency with acute complications of non-surgical treatment - including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Patients with known cancer who are acutely ill because of the disease itself.
The acute oncology team provide a 24/7 telephone contact advice line for advice to patients, carers and proessionals.
CALL 999
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
Call 01962 825561 immediately
- Feeling generally unwell
- Shivery episodes or flu-like symptoms
- Temperature 37.5°C or above, or 35.9°C or below.
- Vomiting (more than 3 times a day)
- Diarrhoea (more than 3 times a day)
- Bleeding
- Swollen or painful legs
- New or worsening shortness of breath
- Sore mouth, stopping you from eating and drinking
Call 01962 825561 within 24 hours
- Sore mouth but can still eat and drink
- Itchy or painful skin changes
- Sore, watery eyes
- Increase in pain
- Constipation
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Diarrhoea (two to four times a day)
Call 01962 825561 within 48 hours
- Tiredness
- Skin changes that are not itchy or painful
- Mood changes
- Difficulty in coping with the treatment
- Loss of appetite