Bowel (Colorectal) Cancer

The Colorectal Cancer team consists of seven Colorectal Surgeons based at Arrowe Park Hospital (with clinic capacity at Clatterbridge Hospital and Victoria Central Hospital). They are supported by a team of Macmillan Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Care Co-Ordinators, a Nurse Consultant, Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) and Stoma Nurses. Inpatient care is provided on the Colorectal Unit (Ward 14, Arrowe Park Hospital).

Following referral along the Rapid Diagnostic Service (RDS) pathway, referrals are screened in virtual clinics run by the ANP team, and the majority of patients will be referred ‘straight to test’ with either endoscopy or CT scanning. In the Endoscopy Unit diagnostic endoscopies (scopes) of the bowel and sometimes stomach are performed. Samples of tissue may be taken as part of the procedure in order to obtain a diagnosis.

If cancer is excluded, you will be contacted by a member of the team and discharged back to your GP.

For some patients their case may need to be discussed in a colorectal multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT). The team of surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists and nurses meet each week and discuss all patients with suspected or diagnosed cancer. Treatment plans are discussed and agreed prior to clinic review.

The team also run specialist clinics for benign disease such as inflammatory bowel disease, functional bowel disorders, abdominal wall hernias, and proctology (piles and fissures).

If you require any further information regarding bowel cancer, please visit the Macmillan website (See 'Related Links').

The colorectal consultant team are:

Mr C Walsh, Consultant Surgeon
Mr J Anderson, Consultant Surgeon
Mr L Titu, Consultant Surgeon
Mr D Smith, Consultant Surgeon
Professor J Wilson, Consultant Surgeon
Mr G Simpson, Consultant Surgeon
Miss R Saunders, Consultant Surgeon