Out of Hours Oncology Medical Telephone Helpline - Market Testing

Tender description

Oncology patients receiving treatment require specialist assessment and advice, and early recognition of potential emergencies and side effects of treatment. The assessment and advice given to a potentially ill patient is crucial in providing the best possible outcome. Patient safety is an essential part of quality care; each and every situation should be managed appropriately. A 24 hour telephone helpline for oncology patients is a national requirement. It is currently provided by individual trusts during the working day from the local chemotherapy units. The helpline is then transferred from local units–from 16.30 each evening, weekends and public holidays to the out of hour’s provider. It is recognised that the nature of calls received during the out of hours period will be varied in nature, from simple administrative queries around appointments etc. through to patients who may be experiencing significant symptoms that need to be treated within very tight timescales e.g. Neutropenic Sepsis. The average activity figures per month are 340 calls across the geographical footprint. Keywords: Out of Hours, Helpline