Lead Clinician as Key Contact Point
Click here to read our submission https://www.headandneck.org.nz/optimal-cancer-care-hnc-submission
Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust. (2024). Submission for the Optimal Cancer Care Pathway for People with Head and Neck Cancer [Review of the Draft Optimal Cancer Care Pathway for People with Head and Neck Cancer, by Te Aho O Te Kahu]. Full submission is available at headandnecknetwork@gmail.com.
Why We Support the Lead Clinician Approach
Our Trust has been working closely with Te Aho o Te Kahu to improve the way head and neck cancer patients are cared for within the health system. One of the key outcomes we’ve agreed on is the introduction of a lead clinician for each patient. This is a significant step forward in ensuring that every patient receives consistent, coordinated care throughout their cancer journey.
A lead clinician is a senior medical professional responsible for overseeing a patient’s treatment plan. Their role is to ensure that all aspects of your care – from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up – are managed effectively and that all the specialists involved in your care are working together. This helps avoid delays, reduces miscommunication, and ensures you receive the best possible outcomes.
It’s important to clarify that clinical nurse specialists, while highly skilled and valuable members of the care team, are not designated as lead clinicians. Instead, the lead clinician is usually a senior doctor, such as a surgeon, oncologist, or another specialist with expertise in managing your type of cancer. This ensures that complex medical decisions are guided by someone with the appropriate clinical authority and expertise.
We support this approach because we believe it will lead to:
Improved care coordination: Patients often see multiple specialists during their treatment. The lead clinician ensures all these services are integrated and aligned with your needs.
Faster decision-making: With one central point of responsibility, decisions about your care can be made more efficiently.
Better communication: The lead clinician acts as your main contact for medical concerns, reducing the stress of navigating the system on your own.
We understand that navigating cancer treatment can be overwhelming. With a lead clinician guiding your care, we hope you feel more supported and confident in your journey.
If you have any questions about this approach or would like to share your thoughts, please comment below or message us directly. Your feedback helps us continue advocating for improvements in cancer care.
Thank you for being part of our community. Together, we are making a difference.
