National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Day is on Friday, 14 March. The experience of cancer (whether at diagnosis, investigations, treatment, follow-up) can be the most difficult time in a person’s life and our Cancer CNS teams are fundamental in ensuring excellent support for patients and their families, delivering personalised cancer care.
This year, the national campaign is ‘The Modern CNS’ and how the role has evolved over the years. At MFT, there are 130 Cancer CNS’ across our hospitals and, this year, two have shared their experiences with us:
Jennie Morgan is a Gynaecology Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist based at Saint Mary’s Hospital. As Cancer CNS for 15 years, she has shared how her role has changed since she began but has ultimately helped patients feel more comfortable and supported.
Jennie said: “We’ve recently introduced ‘Patient Initiated Follow-up’ (PIFU) clinics for early Gynaecology Cancer patients. Whilst ensuring safe follow-up pathways are followed, PIFU means that patients get to decide for themselves when they need to speak to a clinician, which gives them more control over their own healthcare.
“We also work cross site so when patients are first diagnosed or admitted with symptoms, we can care for them in hospitals closer to where they live.
“I like my job because no two days are the same. It’s both challenging and rewarding to really make a difference to a patient’s cancer pathway experience.
“The gynaecological team at Saint Mary’s are amazing and we are all really supportive of each other. It takes a great multidisciplinary team of consultants, Cancer Navigators, Cancer Care Coordinators, nurses and AHPs to make sure that we can address patients’ physical and emotional needs”.
Mairead Dixon is a Senior Mesothelioma Clinical Nurse Specialist based at Wythenshawe Hospital. After working as a Ward Manager for many years, she has been working as a Cancer CNS for over eight years. She has explained why she takes such pride in her role.
Mairead said: “I specialise in Mesothelioma, which is sadly incurable. Many of my patients are palliative and have symptoms such as pain or breathlessness. I provide a lot of clinical, practical and emotional support to patients and their families.
“Some of our patients are either unable or choose not to have cancer treatment. Our nurse-led clinics focus on best supportive care to manage their symptoms.
“I am a non-medical prescriber, which allows me to not only assess patients, but to prescribe medications in a timely manner should this be appropriate.
“I have taken an active role in research, and am one of a few cancer nurses at MFT who are a Principal Investigator of a research study”.
“I love being a Cancer CNS because I enjoy having the one-on-one time with patients. The majority of my days are spent seeing and speaking directly to patients, which is exactly why I wanted to become a nurse.”