I have worked with colleagues to lead on initiatives to provide a first rate service for patients with Secondary Breast Cancer at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust (MTW).

Improving Secondary Breast Cancer services at MTW

I secured a grant to fund a senior nurse for secondary breast cancer patients at the Kent Oncology Centre. Two years on, Macmillan report that the role has improved holistic care at the Trust:

• All patients are now seen in a dedicated clinic with specialist nursing support
• Referral rates to community palliative care services have doubled
• Communication from the oncology team with community services and GP’ has improved (67% ‘good’, previously 35%)
• 90% report confidence in service: “The support I’ve received has been invaluable and made the journey easier”.

The Secondary Breast Cancer Pledge, 2015

I commissioned an independent review of Secondary Breast Cancer treatment at MTW by Breast Cancer Now.

The 70-page report (a detailed questionnaire completed by 77 patients) found that 97% felt their care is ‘excellent or very good’, and 3% ‘good’.

Working with a focus group of patients and our MacMillan Nurse Clinician, I helped the Trust publish a Pledge to deliver a range of patient-led service improvements:

Breast Cancer Kent

My work as Trustee for this local charity is fulfilling and enjoyable, thanks in large part to the extraordinary enthusiasm of our committee members, many of whom are former patients, who work tirelessly to raise funds.

Over the years Breast Cancer Kent has funded much-needed state-of-the-art equipment to aid the early diagnosis of breast cancer in West Kent. The charity also funds the monthly support programme for secondary breast cancer patients and recently launched an acupuncture and relaxation clinic for patients.

Quality in Care programme

The Quality in Care (QiC) Awards programmes recognise, reward and share good practice and collaboration between the NHS, patient groups and the pharmaceutical industry in specific therapy areas.

I was invited to be an Oncology judge on this national awards programme in 2015 and 2016.

Breast Cancer Care

I work with this important national charity editing some of their patient information booklets.