Introduction There is a certain amount of uncertainty as to the optimal duration and frequency of follow up of patients with gynaecological cancer. This has been highlighted by studies revealing inconsistencies in follow-up regimes (Van Voorhis, 1970; Barnhill et al., 1992; Kerr-Wilson and McCrum, 1995). Attempts have been made to identify objectives in the management of the oncology patient including assessing results of therapy, early detection of recurrence and treatment for the side effects of therapy (Planner, 1995). However, these do not speci® cally address the issue of patient satisfaction with respect to their medical consultation as well as their treatment, involvement in decision making, or desire for more information. Patien t dissatisfaction may occur if they feel consultations are too short or infrequent, or if they feel that too little information is given, or badly presented. Increasing attempts are made by clinicians to involve patients in their own management. This has occurred partly from the patients’ own desires for more information, evident across all patient age groups but in particular amongst younger patients (Cassileth et al., 1980). M ethods of improving patient information have been explored, with some consultations being audio-taped or patients receiving letters detailing their consultation (Tattersall et al., 1994) Seventy-nine percent of doctors involved in the care of oncology patients thought that some form of written communication to the patient outlining the consultation would be useful to the patient (Damian and Tattersall, 1991). Patients differ in how much they care to seek further information regarding their illness, and how involved they wish to become in their subsequent management. Indeed, patients who are given inform ation ® les detailing descriptions of their disease, staging, treatments, and sources of further information, may not differ signi® cantly when later questioned on their cancer knowledge, or satisfaction with information received (Berner et al., 1997). Physicians may feel threatened that decision making will be taken away from them by patients’ desires to have maximum information. This is not necessarily the case. Cassileth (1980) found that 83% of patients requested all information, but only 63% wanted to participate in management decisions. Many patients may actively seek more information, but the majority prefer the physician to assume the role of primary decision maker (Sutherland et al., 1989). At the Chelsea and Westm inster hospital, our oncology service has been established in accordance with standards from the West London Cancer Group. Eighteen months ago, a M acmillan Gynae-oncology nurse was introduced to facilitate a multiprofessional team approach to the service. We have recently implemented protocols regarding treatment and follow up of patients with gynaecological m alignancy, dependent on tumour origin, stage and grade. Our study was designed to gauge patient satisfaction with the current service, in order to evaluate and review the care provided.