The Manchester MSCC service based at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust provides a single point of contact for primary and secondary care across 15 hospitals in the region (Greater Manchester and Cheshire).
It is our responsibility to coordinate the timely and efficient management of patients with either:
- suspected MSCC
- a confirmed diagnosis of MSCC
We gather all the necessary information and liaise with the clinical oncology on-call team (Specialist Trainees and Consultants) at The Christie to help ensure prompt triage and urgent decisions regarding patient management.
The MSCC team at The Christie is comprised of MSCC Coordinators:
Lena is a physiotherapist by background and has worked in oncology for 30 years at The Christie.
She became interested in the management of Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression (MSCC) in the late 1990s and was one of the founders of the steering group in Greater Manchester and Cheshire. This has resulted in comprehensive MSCC guidelines, the ‘Red Flags’ alert card and publication of this project. The development of the innovative MSCC coordination service has led to a coordinated pathway for patients in the Manchester Cancer Network with significant improvements in early diagnosis, treatment and survival.
Sarah is an experienced nurse with over 25 years of practice, primarily within acute care and oncology. She has worked across several departments at The Christie, gaining extensive clinical and service-based insight. Her interest in metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) developed during her time within the Acute Oncology Management Service and through completing the Acute Oncology master’s module.
Sarah joined the MSCC team in early 2022 and plays a key role in information gathering and triaging patients to ensure a timely and coordinated pathway. She contributes to the education of healthcare professionals, supports policy development, and is actively involved in the MSCC steering group. She contributes to the ongoing development of the service, with a focus on achieving better outcomes and experiences for patients.
Claire is a therapeutic radiographer with 13 years of experience at The Christie. Throughout her career, she has developed strong clinical expertise and a deep understanding of patient pathways within oncology, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to support safe, effective, and compassionate care. Her interest in MSCC grew through her work in radiotherapy, where she saw first-hand the importance of early recognition, rapid coordination, and clear communication in improving outcomes for patients at risk of neurological compromise.
Claire completed her MSc in 2021 and now contributes to the MSCC pathway through timely information gathering, supporting triage decisions, and helping ensure patients receive prompt assessment and intervention. She plays an active role in educating colleagues, supporting service improvements, and contributing to ongoing pathway refinement. Claire remains committed to enhancing patient experience and promoting high‑quality, coordinated care for individuals affected by MSCC.
The MSCC Coordinators are supported by:
- The Acute Oncology Management Service 24/7 Hotline
- Clinical oncology registrar on-call / consultant clinical oncologist on-call
- Dr Vivek Misra (clinical oncologist / MSCC lead clinician)
- Dr Claire Arthur (clinical oncologist / deputy MSCC lead)