13/03/2025
We are celebrating National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) day, on 14 March 2025.
National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day has been developed to highlight and celebrate the hugely important role that the cancer nursing workforce provides in support of patients on a daily basis.
This in an opportunity to celebrate our Cancer CNSs, raise awareness of the role and recognise the contribution that they make to patients and families in partnership with the wider multidisciplinary team and to highlight the CNS role as a rewarding profession and valued career to those considering a career in nursing.
In the Western Trust, we have 31 cancer CNSs across lung, breast, colorectal, haematology, gynae, urology, upper gastrointestinal, skin, head and neck cancer sites. Some of our Clinical Nurse Specialists posts have been kindly funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and Friends of the Cancer Centre.
Speaking about the invaluable contribution that the CNS team make to patients, our Lead Nurse, Sinead McElwee said:
“Receiving a cancer diagnosis is life changing and devastating for patients and their loved ones. The CNS are highly skilled professionals who provide expert care and support to patients throughout their cancer journey. It is widely recognised that having access to a CNS improves the quality and experience of care for our patients. They are pivotal in the coordination and delivery of personalised care interventions addressing both physical and emotional needs of patients.
On National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist day we are proud to mark this day by celebrating our excellent, dedicated team of cancer type specific CNS’s working in North West Cancer Centre (NWCC), Altnagelvin Hospital. We recognise the importance of the CNS role and thank them for the positive impact they make on the patient’s cancer pathway.”
On this day of celebration of the CNS role, we spoke to some of our colleagues:
Michelle Gallagher our Gynae CNS said:
“I have worked in Cancer Services since 2022 and 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. As a Gynae 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. 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 Gynae cancer diagnosis has helped me to see how important my role is and how cancer can impact all areas of people’s lives including their relationships, jobs, finances and overall wellbeing. I am so proud of my role, it is rewarding to me to ensure individuals are supported every day.”
Head and Neck CNSs Aine Ferry and Emma Allen said:
“As head and neck cancer CNSs, we manage and provide bespoke personalised care to patients and their loved ones with suspect or confirmed head and neck 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.”
Uro-oncology CNSs Hazel Templeton, Eimear Brett, Patrick Rooney and Naomi Casson said:
“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. Our approach to support the patient by working as part of the Multi-Disciplinary Team where we are able to contribute on our patients behalf helping to improve patient outcomes. As CNSs we are part of an incredible profession who have extensive knowledge caring for patients and providing personalised care to ensure that the care provided is tailored to their specific needs at the right time.”
To be a part of National Cancer CNS day on 14th March, please join in the social media campaign to help to celebrate #NationalCancerCNSDay
