Cancer hotline extended to West Birmingham patients

Surgical Services

The Cancer Hotline for Sandwell patients to call if they’re worried about symptoms has now been extended to those with a West Birmingham GP.

The new service was set up last month for concerned patients who can speak to a specialist nurse to discuss their symptoms and offer advice on the next steps to take.

Patients have already been successfully accessing the hotline with many being referred for further investigations. This one-year pilot service has been funded by the West Midlands Cancer Alliance. It has been set up by the Healthier Futures Black Country Integrated Care System (ICS) and our Trust in partnership.

Jenny Donovan, Cancer Services Manager at the Trust, said: “We have made the decision to open the hotline to patients further afield, those with a West Birmingham GP. It means they can talk to an expert about symptoms that could be a sign of cancer.

“We want to make sure that they have the tests they may need, and any treatment required as quickly as possible. We have been taking calls from worried patients and have been able to refer them to rapid access so they can be further investigated.

“Anyone who is worried can ring the advice line on 0121 507 3330, Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4pm.”

Symptoms of cancer include unexplained weight loss, unusual swellings or lumps, changes to a mole, blood in wee or poo, changes in bowel habits for more than six weeks, a hoarse voice for more than three weeks, difficulties in swallowing, unusual changes to your breast and vaginal bleeding after menopause or between periods. For more information, please visit www.nhs. uk/conditions/cancer/symptoms/