Oncological Emergency Admissions to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital: An Audit of Current Arrangements and Patient Satisfaction

The cancer burden is increasing, with more patients with cancer being admitted as emergencies. Patients seem to favour continuity of care and admission to an oncology ward directly. Further research needs to be carried out in this area as to how best care may be achieved, taking into account local resources and the changes in practice that have come from continuing treatment much longer into the course of the disease. The organisation of healthcare services has to take account of patient preference to balance efficiency and patient satisfaction. Training in palliative oncology may need to be extended to other groups than oncologists.