Posted 29 September 2015 - 14:41
Posted 29 September 2015 - 14:41
News
UK nurse given lifetime achievement award at European Cancer Congress
Sam Smith, head of nursing at Teenage Cancer Trust recognised for her contribution to care of young people with cancer
A nurse has received a lifetime achievement award at this year’s European Oncology Nursing Society awards.
Sam Smith, head of nursing and quality at the Teenage Cancer Trust, was awarded the prize at the European Cancer Congress in Vienna on Saturday.
After training as a children’s nurse more than 25 years ago, Ms Smith began caring for young people with cancer early in her career.
The award judges noted she had honed her ‘passion and drive’ at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, a cancer centre of international renown. Here, she recognised the need to empower teenagers and developed a youth group called the Christie Crew.
In 2013/14, she secured a Florence Nightingale Foundation scholarship allowing her to focus on leadership in the nursing of teenagers and young adults with cancer. This came as Ms Smith moved from the NHS to her current role at the Teenage Cancer Trust.
She continues to act as an ambassador for the nursing of teenagers and young adults with cancer.