Breast Care Nurses

Working hours 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday

Support for patients from initial diagnosis, pre and post-operative care

Every patient diagnosed with breast cancer is allocated a Breast Care Nurse (BCN) as a key worker, from the point of diagnosis.  BCNs are with the patient for support when the diagnosis is given. At that time patients are given verbal and written information about their treatment options. All patients have a further appointment in the following week to discuss treatment in more detail and the pros and cons of various treatment options, including reconstruction techniques as appropriate. The involvement of the BCN provides vital patient support before and after surgery, and throughout treatment and their recovery pathway.

Telephone consultations and open access for patients to contact with any queries

The BCNs are usually the first point of contact for patients if they have any questions and concerns relating to the breast and their treatments, and patients are able to contact the BCNs even years after their treatment.

Wound management

The BCNs will review and treat any ongoing wound issues outside of clinic times, to support the surgeons and to provide a timely service to patients, including seroma aspiration and expansion of tissue expanders for breast reconstruction.

Moving on appointments

All patients are invited to attend a ‘moving on’ appointment with their BCN. This provides an opportunity to assess how the patient is dealing with the effects of their diagnosis and treatment, including an individual holistic needs assessment to review many different aspects of the recovery pathway.

This allows for signposting to other services such as counselling, physiotherapy, complementary therapies and lifestyle advice. Patients are given an individual treatment summary and follow-up plan.

Discussion for reconstruction / oncoplastic surgery and nipple areola tattooing

All patients who are considering immediate or delayed breast reconstruction or breast reduction are seen by the BCN for a discussion about what the surgery may entail.  They will be able to view photographs and receive written information about the procedure and potential complications.

Following reconstruction surgery, patients are also offered the option for nipple areola tattooing. This is provided in the Breast Centre by Helen McGarrigle and Grace Uruski.