About our expert-led approach to cancer care
At HCA Healthcare UK we believe in supporting and enabling some of the world’s most enquiring minds and cancer pioneers, bringing them together to discuss each patient's case – no matter how complex.
We are in the unique position to draw on the expertise of consultants from surrounding world-renowned teaching hospitals in London and Manchester, including University College London Hospital, Imperial College, Guy’s and St Thomas’, King's College Hospital, The Royal Marsden, St George’s, St Bartholomew’s and The Christie. We bring together specialist consultants from these institutions to form multidisciplinary teams (MDTs).
This gives the combined expertise, experience and understanding of a whole team of world-class clinicians in specialty and sub-specialty areas. You can be assured you will receive the most effective, personalised treatment plan, underpinned by rigorous clinical governance structures.
Our clinical trials unit, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, means that if appropriate, your MDT will review any open trials that you may benefit from and consider these as part of your treatment plan. This ensures you have access to the latest drugs and therapies as soon as they are available.
Cancer care multidisciplinary teams
Our MDTs may include as many as 20 experts, including consultant oncologists and haematologists, surgeons, radiologists, histo-pathologists, clinical nurse specialists and other allied health professionals, such as pharmacists, nutritionists and physiotherapists.
Your named consultant is in charge of your care and leads any decisions about your treatment plan. In addition to your named consultant, your main points of contact will be your clinical nurse specialist and wider nursing team.
They will visit you at regular intervals while you are an inpatient; depending on your treatment, other members of the team who are involved in your care may join them. Your outpatient consultations will always be with your named consultant.
Common members of a multidisciplinary team
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Consultant Oncologist or Haematologist icon plus
A senior doctor with extensive experience in their chosen specialty e.g. oncology or haematology. They will be your 'named consultant' and will lead your MDT and treatment plan. -
Consultant Radiologist icon plus
A consultant who specialises in using medical imaging to diagnose and manage health conditions, which is a vital part of your cancer care. -
Consultant Histopathologist icon plus
A consultant who specialises in the medical interpretation of cells and tissue samples — information used to diagnose and treat diseases such as cancer. -
Resident Medical Officer (RMO) icon plus
A qualified doctor who is based on-site. -
Clinical Nurse Specialist icon plus
They are clinical experts in evidence-based nursing practise and are dedicated to a specialist area of nursing, such as oncology or haematology. They personalise the cancer pathway for individual patients to meet their complex information and support needs. -
Pharmacist icon plus
A healthcare professional qualified to prepare and dispense medication. -
Physiotherapist icon plus
A healthcare professional qualified to treat patients using physical therapy, including exercise, education and advice. -
Counsellor icon plus
A person trained to give psychological guidance and support to patients and their families through diagnosis, treatment and any follow-up care. -
Dietician icon plus
An expert on diet and nutrition who is on hand to advise patients.
Getting a second opinion
Our second opinion service is led by expert consultants. They will provide a comprehensive review of your current and past medical history, to identify the best treatment options for you. This review may identify new treatment options or simply confirm you are already receiving the best treatment. Either way it can help you make an informed decision about what is best for you.
We offer a second opinion service in London and Manchester, covering a wide range of specialities.
Contact our experienced cancer team
Any questions about our cancer services or treatment? We're happy to advise you or help you book an appointment in London, Birmingham or Manchester with a cancer specialist consultant.
Call us on
020 7079 4344