A haematologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) is set to be honoured by blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan for her work on post-transplant care, at an awards ceremony held at the Tower of London next month.
Dr Fiona Dignan who is a Consultant Haematologist and Clinical Director for Haematology at the MRI, part of the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, has been shortlisted for the Clinical Supporter of the Year Award at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2019.
Fiona’s nomination is in recognition of her support of patients undergoing stem cell transplantation for blood cancers including acute myeloid leukaemia.
She has been instrumental in bringing together leading healthcare professionals, local NHS representatives and patients in the development of Anthony Nolan’s new post-transplant care pathway – which sets out the services and support transplant patients need during recovery. She also champions patient experiences as a key member of NHS England’s Blood and Marrow Transplantation Clinical Reference Group.
Speaking about the nomination, she said: “I feel very privileged to have been nominated for this award – it was completely unexpected.
“I see first-hand the many physical and psychological problems that patients face post-transplant. This regular contact with patients who are cured but still not well is what motivated me to get involved in Anthony Nolan’s work”.
Henny Braund, Chief Executive of Anthony Nolan, said: “We are very lucky to have so many people who support our work to find a match for everyone in need of a life-saving transplant.
“Dr Dignan has shown tremendous commitment to Anthony Nolan by championing the needs of patients post-transplant”.
Henny added: “We want to say a massive thank you, and congratulations, to Dr Dignan, and we very much look forward to celebrating with her at the awards”.
The awards take place on Thursday 28 November at the Tower of London, and all winners will be revealed on the night.
Anthony Nolan is the charity that finds matching stem cell donors for people with blood cancer and blood disorders and gives them a second chance at life. It also carries out ground-breaking research to save more lives and provide information and support to patients after a stem cell transplant, through its clinical nurse specialists and psychologists, who help guide patients through their recovery.
This will be the seventh year that Anthony Nolan has held the prestigious Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards. The aim of the event is to recognise and thank the outstanding achievements of volunteers, fundraisers and campaigners whose support helps us to save more lives.
To see the full shortlist, and find out more about the charity visit www.anthonynolan.org/awards