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Useful information and contacts for Cambridge skull base unit

The aim of this information is to provide new and existing patients with an overview of the things you might need to know about the Cambridge Skull Base Unit.

Information for new and existing patients

The aim of this leaflet is to provide you with an overview of the things you might need to know about the Cambridge Skull Base Unit.

Who are we?

The aim of this leaflet is to provide you with an overview of the things you might need to know about the Cambridge Skull Base Unit.

When is the department open?

Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:00

We do not operate a drop-in service. Please contact us first if you are experiencing problems. If you are experiencing urgent problems please contact your GP for advice or in an emergency, please use your local emergency department.

We do not operate a drop-in service. Please contact us first if you are experiencing problems. If you are experiencing urgent problems please contact your GP for advice or in an emergency, please use your local emergency department.

What happens in clinic?

Our consultants run the service that we provide. A team meeting is held before clinic, this is where we will discuss your case and every effort will be made for you to be seen by the most relevant clinician. There may be other members of the team present. We recommend that you bring someone with you, as you may feel anxious or find that there is a lot of information to understand. Please write down any questions that you may have and bring them with you to your appointment.

Who do I contact?

On visiting the clinic for the first time you will be given the name of the appropriate person to contact. This is a list of all the contact numbers, but only some will be applicable to your care. Most telephones have an answer machine that is checked regularly throughout the day. Messages for non-urgent queries can be left.

(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 09.00 - 17.00; Wednesday: 09.00 - 12.00)

If you are not sure whom to contact, please contact one of the secretaries and they will be able to direct your query.

Where is the department based?

The majority of the skull base appointments take place in Clinic 10. You may also be seen within the oncology unit or other outpatient clinics. The outpatient department is situated approximately 5 to 10 minutes’ walk from the bus station.

MRI / CT Scans

If you are on the ‘watch, wait and rescan’ protocol (active surveillance) strategy at Addenbrooke’s hospital then we will request your scan. The MRI or CT department will write to you nearer the time with your appointment details, but if you do not hear from them for any reason please do contact us.

We will write to you with the results of your scan when these are available. If you do not receive a scan result within 8 to 10 weeks of your scan appointment, please contact the ENT secretaries with your name, date of birth and hospital number if you know it so that this can be followed up.

If your scan shows no changes but you are having a change in your symptoms, please contact the specialist nurses to discuss this or contact the secretaries to request a follow up appointment.

If you are being followed up after radiotherapy treatment, the oncology department will arrange your scan and you will receive your results at a follow up appointment.

Privacy and dignity

Same sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and / or specialist one to one care is required.