Episode 74: Exploring the role of the FDS Nurse

Every step in the cancer diagnostic pathway matters. From the moment a patient is referred with suspected cancer, the speed and quality of communication, coordination and support can make a significant difference to both their experience and the time it takes to reach a diagnosis.

In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland is joined by Abie, a Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS) Nurse Specialist at King George Hospital, and Kate Williams, Macmillan Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Development Lead for North East London Cancer Alliance. Together, they explore the vital role FDS Nurse Specialists play in helping patients navigate one of the most uncertain periods of their cancer journey.

The Faster Diagnosis Standard aims to ensure that patients referred with suspected cancer receive a diagnosis, or have cancer ruled out, within 28 days. While diagnostic tests and clinical expertise are central to achieving this, the pathway also depends on effective coordination, clear communication and practical support for patients. This is where the FDS Nurse Specialist has a crucial role.

Abie shares what a typical day looks like, from tracking patients through complex diagnostic pathways and coordinating appointments to providing reassurance and answering questions when patients need it most. She explains how the role helps reduce delays, improve communication between healthcare teams and ensure patients are kept informed throughout their journey.

The conversation also highlights how everyone involved in the pathway can help make the process more efficient. Appropriate and timely referrals from healthcare professionals are essential, while ensuring referral information is complete and accurate helps avoid unnecessary delays. Patients also play an important part by making sure their contact details are up to date, understanding why they have been referred, completing any required pre-investigations before appointments and being available to attend scheduled tests and consultations whenever possible.

Kate discusses how roles such as the FDS Nurse Specialist complement the wider cancer nursing workforce and why investment in specialist nursing is helping to improve both patient experience and cancer outcomes across north east London.

Whether you are a patient waiting for tests, a healthcare professional making referrals or simply interested in how cancer services work behind the scenes, this episode offers valuable insight into the people and processes helping to deliver faster, safer and more coordinated cancer diagnosis. 

It demonstrates that achieving timely diagnosis is a shared effort, with patients, primary care, hospital teams and specialist nurses all working together to keep the pathway moving and ensure people receive the care, information and support they need at every stage.

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