What is open access follow up?

Colorectal open access follow up

This information sheet is to help you and your family or friends understand what happens to you after you have completed all your treatment for bowel cancer and how you will be monitored. Our recommendation is that you now enter our open access follow up programme.

What is open access follow up?

Open access follow up allows you to contact us at anytime on a dedicated helpline with any questions or concerns you have about your health after bowel cancer treatment. It replaces the traditional regular hospital appointment system making it more convenient for you to contact us at a time that suits you.

A member of the Colorectal team will then return your call and discuss any of your questions or concerns. If you need to come to the hospital to be seen, you will be given an appointment within 2 weeks without having to return to your GP.

How does open access follow up work?

When you have recovered from all your treatment you will have one final clinic appointment with your nurse specialist in the hospital. At this appointment you will receive:

  • Advice on signs and symptoms which may indicate a recurrence of disease ( leaflet available )
  • Health and wellbeing advice  
  • Signposting to Local support groups
  • Details of blood tests and scans (leaflet available)and when you need to have them
  • Contact details of the  helpline to call should you have any queries

After this appointment you will have tests at regular intervals and a letter will be sent in the post to you and your GP giving you the results. The timing of these tests is based upon your general health and the stage of your cancer. A separate leaflet is available to explain this and your nurse specialist will go through it with you. 

Will I have any planned appointments again at the hospital?

There is no need for you to have any further routine appointments at the hospital regarding your bowel cancer treatment. However if you have any queries or develop any unusual symptoms that may be linked to your previous diagnosis of bowel cancer then we would be happy to see you in clinic. You will have one final appointment at the end of your five year follow up.

Are there any other reasons I should call the helpline?

It is very important that you call the helpline if;

  • Any of your contact details change including address
  • You feel like you are not coping
  • You have not received a date for your test or received any results in the post

Helpline Contact details: 07770 880137

How do I make a comment about my visit? 

We aim to provide the best possible service and staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you have any suggestions or comments about your visit, please either speak to a member of staff or contact the patient advice and liaison service (PALS). The PALS team are able to listen to your concerns, suggestions or queries and are often able to sort out problems on behalf of patients.