When should I consider referring a patient experiencing severe side effects from chemotherapy to a specialist?

You should consider referring a patient experiencing severe side effects from chemotherapy to a specialist immediately, particularly if neutropenic sepsis is suspected ². Neutropenic sepsis should be suspected in patients undergoing anticancer treatment who become unwell ². Patients with suspected neutropenic sepsis require immediate referral for assessment in secondary or tertiary care ². This condition must be treated as an acute medical emergency ². Patients and their carers are typically provided with information on how and when to contact 24-hour specialist oncology advice and how and when to seek emergency care for chemotherapy-related complications ². For patients receiving high-intensity chemotherapy, especially those in ambulatory care, there should be clear pathways for rapid hospital assessment in the event of neutropenic sepsis or other chemotherapy-related complications or toxicities ¹. Haematology units caring for patients receiving high-intensity chemotherapy should ensure consultant-level specialist medical staff are available 24 hours a day ¹.