Receiving telephone follow-up results after breast biopsy

An appointment has been made for you to receive your biopsy results and any further advice over the telephone.

A breast care specialist nurse will telephone you on……………………………………

This will be between the hours of 09:00-17:00, however we are unable to leave messages and if we are unable to speak to you we will send you information by letter.

If we have not contacted you by 15:00, you are welcome to contact us on the telephone numbers overleaf.

Occasionally, the full information is not available for this telephone call or the information requires more in depth discussion with you. If this is the case a breast care specialist nurse will telephone you to arrange for you to attend the breast unit.

What is a telephone clinic?

Telephone clinics are outpatient consultations conducted by telephone.

Why have they been set up?

Outpatient clinics are increasingly busy and some patients travel long distances to attend them.

Often the appointment is to receive biopsy results which are of no serious concern and we can discharge you from our care.

Telephone clinic can discuss your results and this is designed to be more convenient for you and to save you time and travel.

How do these clinics work?

You have been given your appointment to receive further information by telephone.

The number you use is entirely your choice but we recommend suggesting a number where you feel comfortable talking to us. Please note that we are unable to leave messages and all of the hospital phone lines are withheld numbers.

We will ring you and ask you some security questions to establish that we are speaking with the correct person. Due to patient confidentiality issues we will only be able to hold the consultation directly with you, our patient.

You will receive a letter in the post confirming this discussion following your telephone call. This letter will also be sent to your general practitioner (GP).

What if you want others to listen to the consultation?

We will need to hold the initial consultation with you, as you are our patient. However, should you have a speaker phone and wish others to listen into our consultation that is entirely your decision.

Some of our patients prefer others to listen in so as to help them remember what has been discussed. We are also happy to repeat what has been said to your next of kin with your express consent should you so wish.

Breast care specialist nurse contact details

• Joanna Rowley: 01223 586960
• Nicola Jones: 01223 596291
• Lisa Jordan: 01223 586573
• Heather Jarvis: 01223 216313
• Sian Goodwin: 01223 586573

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.