Nurse-led acute oncology service puts patients first

Winner: A nurse-led team offering a comprehensive acute oncology service at Warwick Hospital seven days a week has been commissioned to launch a second unit.

Previously patients had to make a 60-mile round trip to a cancer centre until South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust employed nurse consultant Carole Connor to establish the new unit.

The pioneering work of Carole and her team has led to their nomination in the Cancer Nursing category of the RCNi Nurse Awards 2016.

The award, sponsored by Macmillan Cancer Support, recognises nurses whose initiatives have led to better care for patients with cancer.

A new facility was built at Warwick Hospital and Carole developed a team of advanced nurse practitioners who assumed many roles and procedures, such as prescribing chemotherapy, that were previously undertaken by medical staff. The service also offers nurse-led outpatient clinics.

There is a continual focus on education and development, and patients receive treatment within 15 minutes of their appointment time.

Patient information and support services – including a complementary therapy service – are embedded in the unit. The team has also developed a tailored ‘just in case’ pack that patients can take to A&E should they develop complications from chemotherapy.

Carole says: ‘We are committed to providing an excellent service and making a difference to our patients and carers. We have achieved this through strong leadership, focused teamwork, developing and evaluating innovative ways of working, and never forgetting that the patient and carer is at the centre of all that we do.’

About the sponsor

Macmillan Cancer Support

Cancer can affect someone’s whole life. Macmillan provides practical, financial and emotional support from the time of diagnosis, during treatment and increasingly after cancer. Macmillan Support Line is a free, confidential service for anyone affected by cancer. Specialist teams can help with questions about treatment, fears and worries, or financial support. Call 0808 8080000 Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm. Free information booklets provide accurate and clear information on a range of subjects, and the Macmillan information and support centres offer face-to-face support. The online community connects people when they may feel alone. For more information visit macmillan.org.uk