Our team specialises in looking after patients with liver tumours, particularly primary liver cancer known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but we also manage some patients with benign liver tumours.
Patients can be referred to us from their local hospitals, who may have identified an unusual growth within the liver. We gather as much relevant information as possible to enable a discussion in our multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT). The MDT is a group of health and care staff, who are members of different organisations and professions, such as hepatology consultants, liver surgeons, interventional radiologists, radiologists, oncologists and clinical nurse specialists (CNS).
The aim of the MDT meeting is to advise on patient treatment recommendations, which are then discussed with patients at their clinic appointment by the appropriate clinical team.
What happens next?
Following the MDT discussion, you will be informed of the outcome by your local hospital or the team at CUH. You may then be invited to attend a clinic appointment at CUH to meet the Consultant, clinical nurse specialist and possibly our surgeon. As this is a teaching hospital, we may also have learners with us however, they will be happy to leave if you would prefer not to have students in the room.
Please visit our video library to watch the ‘Welcome to Cancer Services’ patient information film, which explains how to get to CUH.
We recommend bringing someone with you to the first clinic appointment, as we will discuss a lot of information. We can normally accommodate up to two other friends or relatives, however more than that can be difficult due to the size of the clinic room. Please bring a list of your medication with you at this first appointment.
We will review what we know so far and explain our recommendations. It is likely that you will have many questions after the clinic appointment, so please do not hesitate to contact the CNS team if you need further clarification or support.
If you aim to have treatment with us, we would expect that you are able to arrange your own transport to and from the hospital. Unfortunately, the hospital is not able to provide transport home. If this may be a problem, please speak to your GP, as there may be local transport options available through your GP’s assistance.
It may also be necessary to carry out further tests or imaging before starting any treatment. This is to ensure that the recommended treatment is suitable and safe for you. If you have any questions about this, please contact your CNS team.
Cancer navigator for liver cancer
Our liver cancer navigator is here to help with non-medical questions and provide support during your treatment. They can connect you with services like financial support and help with conversations with family or work.
The cancer navigator works closely with the liver specialist team and is part of our cancer support service. Visit our cancer navigators webpage to learn more about how our cancer navigator service can help you.
Referral information
Please do not hesitate to contact a member of hepatology team:
- Email the clinical nurse specialist team
Phone: 01223 596322 - Email the admin support team
Phone: 01223 586641
Or clinical team directly via MyChart
Sign-up to MyChart
Once you have signed-up you will be able to access your hospital information via MyChart from your smartphone or tablet device (Apple or Android) or from a computer or laptop.
Patient support links
Key staff
- Dr Matthew Hoare – Hepatology Consultant
- Dr Victoria Snowdon – Hepatology Consultant
- Mr Paul Gibbs - Hepatology Surgeon
- Mr Jack Martin - Hepatology Surgeon
- Donna Goodge – Hepatology Clinical Specialist Nurse
- Emma Ward – Hepatology Clinical Specialist Nurse
