Thanking our cancer clinical nurse specialists

Everyday cancer clinical nurse specialists provide care and support to patients across Kent and Medway.

Today (Friday, 14 March), is national cancer clinical nurse specialist day, and NHS Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance and local NHS trusts are recognising the incredible work the nurses do to support patients and their families and carers.

Cancer CNS’ witness how cancer can impact all areas of people’s lives. They support people from the point of diagnosis and continue to be involved in their care throughout their cancer treatment.

 

Ian Vousden, Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance Director said: "National CNS day provides an opportunity to appreciate the amazing work that cancer clinical nurse specialists do in transforming care and patient experience.

“The cancer alliance recognises the complexity and skilled nature of the cancer clinical nurse specialist role. We want to thank all cancer CNSs in Kent and Medway for their continued hard work and dedication to their patients and clinical teams.”

About Cancer CNS

Cancer CNS are qualified nurses and work as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). They deliver, person-centred care to patients, providing them with specialist support, which includes information about their type of cancer, treatment options and possible side effects.

There are 300 cancer clinical nurse specialists working in Kent and Medway supporting people through their cancer journeys.

Over time, the CNS role has become more diverse, with other senior specialist nurse roles developing, such as consultant nurses and advanced nurse practitioners.

CNS showcase event

On Thursday (13 March) cancer CNS teams from across Kent and Medway attended a CNS showcase event led by the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance.

The event provided an opportunity for trusts to showcase any work or service developments that have positively impacted staff and patients; from genetic mainstream testing to menopause, breast cancer and same day emergency care in acute oncology.

Find out more about the CNS role and hear from CNS working in Kent and Medway in the Workforce and education section, under Health professionals on the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance website.