Nurse consultant appointed to key chemotheraphy role

A nurse consultant has been appointed to a new role overseeing the quality of care for chemotherapy patients

Lesley Sheen takes up the position at Colchester General Hospital, and is believed to be only one of five chemotherapy nurse consultants in the UK.

Her job will involve monitoring the care of outpatients and also chemotherapy patients being treated in the emergency department and assessment unit, oncology and haematology wards.

Safe, effective care

Ms Sheen, who joined Colchester as a chemotherapy nurse in 2012, will spend half her time doing clinical work, and the remainder training and teaching other healthcare professionals, including nurses and doctors.

‘Chemotherapy is becoming ever more complex and the demand for this form of treatment is rising constantly as the population grows and people live longer,’ Ms Sheen said.

‘It’s essential that we keep up to date with the latest developments and recommendations to ensure that safe, effective, high quality care is delivered.’

Treatment at home 

Ms Sheen will also have responsibility for the mobile chemotherapy unit. In addition, she intends to explore the possibility of providing more oral chemotherapy in patients’ homes.

Her plans include starting a group allowing chemotherapy patients to shape how services are provided and introducing telephone clinics for some patients.

Barbara Stuttle, director of nursing at Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Lesley to this new role.

‘I’m sure her expertise will be a real asset for the trust, bringing advanced skills for the benefit of our patients.’