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Catherine McGinty, 26 Apr
CAPTION: Celebrating Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day at the North
West Cancer Centre, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, from left to
right:Karen Harper, Lung Cancer CNS; Shauna McGroarty; Skin Cancer CNS;
Sylvia Cole, Heamatology CNS; Patrick Rooney, uro-oncology CNS; Hazel
Templeton, uro-oncology CNS; Angela McKeever, Macmillan Service
Improvement Lead; Celia Diver-Hall, Lead Nurse Cancer Services; Roisin
Roddy, Colorectal CNS; Naomi Casson, uro-oncology CNS; Aine Ferry, Head
and Neck Cancer CNS; Helen McCormick, Lung Cancer CNS and Natalie
Martin, Haematology CNS.
The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) is celebrating
Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) day today.
The Trust said it was an opportunity to celebrate its cancer CNSs,
raise awareness of the role and recognise the contribution that they
make to patients and families as well as to the wider multidisciplinary
team.
Speaking about the invaluable contribution that the CNS team makes,
Interim Lead Nurse, Celia Diver-Hall said: “Receiving a cancer
diagnosis is life changing and devastating for patients and their loved
ones. The role of a Cancer CNS makes a huge difference to patient care.
“On National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist day the North West Cancer
Centre (NWCC) at Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry is proud to
celebrate our excellent, highly skilled and dedicated team of cancer
type specific CNS’s. We recognise the importance of the CNS role and
thank them for the positive impact they make on the patient’s cancer
pathway.”
"It is widely recognised that having access to a CNS improves the
quality and experience of care for our patients. The role of the cancer
CNS is to provide information and support for patients and families
regarding their diagnosis and treatment. The CNS acts as a keyworker,
assesses the holistic needs of the patient and makes appropriate
referrals to other services to ensure that the care provided is
tailored to their specific needs."
In the Western Trust, there are 23 cancer CNSs across lung, breast,
colorectal, haematology, gynae, urology, upper gastrointestinal, skin
and head and neck tumour sites. Some of our Clinical Nurse Specialists
have been kindly funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and Friends of the
Cancer Centre.
On this day of celebration of the CNS role, team members spoke about
their experiences.
Shauna McGroarty our Skin Cancer CNS said: “I have worked in Cancer
Services since 2005. I feel privileged to be able to work in an area
that I truly love. I have always aimed to be a Cancer CNS, as I had
been inspired by my colleagues in the cancer CNS teams throughout my
career in cancer services.
“As a Skin Cancer CNS, I support individuals and their families from
diagnosis and throughout their journey. I offer specialist advice,
information and emotional support to individuals, and their families.
Having a cancer diagnosis can be a very difficult time for individuals,
and it’s vital that they have a CNS to support their needs.
“I see the benefits of having a CNS on a daily basis, and the
improvement it makes in the patient pathway. Feedback from individuals
with skin cancer diagnosis has helped me to see how important my role
is and how rewarding it is to ensure individuals are supported.”
Lung Cancer CNSs Karen Harper and Helen McCormick said: “As lung cancer
CNSs, we manage and provide complex personalised care to patients and
their loved ones with suspect or confirmed lung cancer. We provide
information and support for patients and carers and help them to make
informed treatment choices and provide supportive care in the
management of symptoms and side effects along their cancer journey.
"We find that when we are part of the patient’s journey from the
beginning we can develop a trusted relationship. In doing so our
patients are able to disclose fears and concerns earlier, ensuring we
provide a holistic approach to patient care.
“As part of the Multi-Disciplinary Team we are able to contribute on
our patients behalf helping to improve patient outcomes. We both have
an extensive knowledge caring for patients with respiratory conditions.
Having acquired these specific skills has enabled us to support our
lung cancer patients, providing personalised care.
We are continuing to learn, develop professionally, adapt our practice,
and communicate effectively with others - both our patients, their
loved ones and our colleagues.”