Thames Valley Cancer Alliance (TVCA) celebrates the ‘best of nursing’ on 12 May – International Nurses’ Day.
The day is about recognising the incredible work and the difference nurses make to patients’ lives by demonstrating the ‘best of nursing’ every day. Often, and recently, this has been through the most challenging of circumstances. Despite this, nurses continue to deliver highly skilled safety-critical care to patients every single day.
“On the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, we take time to say ‘thank you’ and to recognise the knowledge, expertise, and compassion of the nurses in the Thames Valley region for delivering exceptional cancer services to our patients and communities,” says Lyndel Moore, Lead Cancer Nurse for TVCA.
During their cancer care, patients are cared for by a nursing team that may include nursing students, practice nurses, advanced clinical practitioners, assistant practitioners, and nursing associates.
As a patient’s keyworker, the Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) provide patients with detailed information about their personalised care and treatment. They have a major impact on any cancer patient’s journey – to live well and beyond a cancer diagnosis, giving best supportive care.
Andrew Gabriel from Reading says: My cancer clinical nurse specialists were essential for my wellbeing during diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer. They listened to my concerns, were supportive, and were there whenever I needed them. I simply cannot imagine going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment without having the support of the CNSs.”
And following her successful treatment and care, Louise Porter from Bracknell recognises the continuing role of the cancer nursing team in her life: “The breast cancer nurse team were amazing. Although most of my treatment was during the pandemic and I was shielded, they were always on hand at the end of the phone to listen, give advice and generally support me, as and when needed. Two years on from diagnosis, although in remission, I have an open pathway if I need to speak to anyone. And it’s amazing to have that support.”
Cancer nurses are highly regarded by their patients. They are also held in high professional esteem by their colleagues.
“However we need to increase the number of cancer nurses by 100% before 2030 to ensure we can continue to deliver the exceptional care patients deserve with the predicted increased number of cancer cases,” says Lyndel Moore.
“But on this date we celebrate the very ‘best of nursing’ and the vital role of the cancer nurses caring for our cancer patients across the Thames Valley region.
“You are amazing and, on Nurses’ Day especially, we want you to know.”
Find out more about becoming one of the NHS cancer nurses across the Thames Valley.
Royal College of Nurses: Nurses’ Day 2022
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| Issued: 10/05/22 NRL-009-01-IND22-MAY22.jaa |
