St Monica s Specialist Breast Care Centre Ethna Hickey- CNM2 Emma Holland- Specialist Breast Care Nurse Claire O Donnell-CNM1
Aims and objectives To provide an overview of the services of the Specialist Breast Care Centre (SBCC). To outline the role of triple assessment in the diagnosis of Breast cancer. To discuss the role and function of the Breast Care Nurse Specialist.
Access and Referrals All referrals are deemed urgent at the SBCC All patients are referred to the SBCC via their G.P / Consultant. Types of referrals 1. Symptomatic Patient has a symptom, visits their G.P and is referred for triple assessment to SBCC 2. Asymptomatic Patient has no symptoms but would like a screening mammogram
How to Make a Referral Referrals can be made by: Letter Phone Fax- The fax referral form can be downloaded from the following address: www.bonsecoursireland.org Electronically by the GP through the web site: www.breastcare.ie All patients are required to have a referral letter present on the day of appointment Patients may not use self referral All patients are advised to contact their insurance companies regarding their policies terms and conditions prior to their appointment
Overview of St Monica s Specialist Breast Care Team Multidisciplinary team includes: 4 Consultant Breast Surgeons 6 Consultant Radiologists 4 Consultant Pathologists 2 Consultant Medical Oncologists Consultant Radiotherapists Referred to other hospitals Radiology Manager 4 Radiographers 1 Breast Care Nurse 1 CNM2 Breast Unit 1 CNM1- Breast Unit 2 Clerical Officers
Pathway to Diagnosis Clinical Examination & Full History Mammogram (3D Tomosynthesis) / Ultrasound +/- Core Biopsy or FNA for cytology Discussion Multidisciplinary team meeting Diagnosis & Treatment
Treatments for Breast Cancer Surgery Chemotherapy Radiotherapy Hormone Therapy Services at SBCC Diagnosis- Surgery- Adjuvant Treatment Reconstruction- Immediate, Delayed Nipple Reconstruction Nipple Tattooing Breast prosthesis and bra fitting service
Who is the Breast Care Nurse The Breast Care Nurse (BCN) is the first person a patient speaks with once they are diagnosed with breast cancer, our role as a BCN is to educate a patient on Breast cancer, listen to a patients concerns and provide support to a patient along with their family. From listening to a patient, our role involves: Assessing the patients needs Identifying the main issues and providing support and reassurance to resolve the problems identified. The BCN can be the main link for the patient to the Breast Surgeon
The Breast Care Nurse role involves Providing: Psychological/Emotional & Practical support Assessing patient and family needs Information from diagnosis > throughout their cancer journey Information on treatment choices Reinforce and discuss information provided by the surgeon or other breast cancer specialists.
Cont d Provide the patient and family with access to further information as required. Provide referrals to other support services where indicated. Surgery what to expect pre op/post op care & expectations Dealing with symptoms & side effects Body Image issues After care services such as breast prosthesis fittings
Role of the Breast Care Nurse The Breast Care Nurse also has a role to liaise with both the allocated ward nurse and the Oncology Liaison Nurse throughout treatment to ensure continuity of care and support. The Breast Care Nurse also acts as an advocate, linking the medical treatment team with other emotional and practical support services whilst maintaining confidentiality and best practice standards.
Always be Breast Aware! 1. Know what is normal for you 2. Look and feel for changes 3. Know what changes to look for 4. Report any changes without delay 5. Go for routine breast screening after the age of 50
Questions? Thank You!