Question re. power ports

My mother had a Bard PowerPort Slim port placed while she was travelling in the USA but is returning home to the UK to resume treatment (recurrent ovarian cancer). We've been struggling to find out if she can continue to use this port in the UK or whether we need to have it removed. Also, if she is able to keep it in, my assumption is it will take a little while to get her set up with a consultant and continuing treatment. Does anyone know if there is somewhere I can set her up with appointments (private or otherwise) to have the port flushed on a recurring basis until she resumes chemotherapy? Thank you! 

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    I would suggest that you speak with a GP at the NHS surgery now, that she is likely to be registered with, on her return to the UK.

    I am not sure about her Port. I think only a hospital oncology consultant, or a hospital based chemotherapy nurse can answer this for you. 

    Your GP may be able to enquire for you at the local NHS hospital. Yes, there is likely to be a gap, before she can obtain an appointment. You could also contact a larger Private Hospital and enquire about it now too.

    The Private Health website lists services by region here,

    https://www.privatehealth.co.uk/clinics/

    I hope that this reply helps, 

    Best wishes,

    Vanda

  • Hi, Vanda! Thank you for the reply. Unfortunately, despite my mum still living in the same house she was born in 80+ years ago, her GP deregistered her because she left the country for more than three months, and they won't answer any questions for us as a result. It's very stressful as my mother has some cognitive/memory issues that have been exacerbated by the chemotherapy, and I'm not able to travel with her immediately to help her get set up with appointments. I have tried the local private hospitals with no success so far, but I'll keep trying. Thank you again for your message!