Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) nursing and support team

The Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Nursing and Support Team at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC) are the main point of contact for patients with cancer of the liver, bile duct, pancreas, and gallbladder.

The HPB team comprises of an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Cancer Support Worker (CSW), Oncology Dietician, Research Nurses, and a Physician Associate (PA). Together we cover various locations across Cheshire & Merseyside.

An Advanced Nurse Practitioner is a nurse who has undertaken advanced clinical training and is able to clinically assess, diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment. They work as part of the medical team in clinic. You may sometimes be seen by an ANP instead of your consultant when you are due a review.

A Clinical Nurse Specialist is a nurse who has specialist experience in cancer care. Their role is to be a keyworker / point of contact for you and your family throughout your treatment at CCC. They can provide psychological support and symptom / toxicity management advice. They can signpost you to additional areas of support or refer you to other members of the multi-disciplinary team as required e.g., welfare and benefits (DS1500), physiotherapy, palliative care, and occupational health.

A Cancer Support Worker works closely with and support the nursing and medical team. When you begin your treatment at Clatterbridge you will be invited to complete the Macmillan electronic Holistic Needs Assessment (eHNA). This will help us better understand and meet your individual needs and support you through your treatment. If at any time your needs change, please ask for the link to be reassessed so the team can support you if anything changes. This assessment can also be performed in person or over the telephone. Please let us know if this is more convenient for you.

An Oncology Dietician specialises in helping patients and their caregivers develop a good plan for nutrition. They provide support and advice regarding diet and supplements as some treatments can influence and impact on the amount and type of foods people can eat.

Research Nurses work closely with the HPB team advising and supporting patients regarding current research the HPB team are involved in. To find out if you are eligible to participate in research at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, contact details are at the end of this form. You may be eligible to participate in clinical trials; however, this is completely voluntary and will not impact your treatment or care if
you decline to do so.

A Physician Associate is a medically trained healthcare professional who works  alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals to manage complex disease. They work as part of the medical team in clinic. You may be seen by a PA instead of your consultant when you are due a review.