14 March 2025
Friday 14 March is National Cancer CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) Day - an opportunity to celebrate the highly skilled Cancer Nurse Specialists working within Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
Across the Health Board, 75 Cancer CNS’s provide expert care and support to patients, and their families, throughout their cancer journey.
Executive Nurse Director Jason Roberts said: “Thank you to all the Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists working within Cardiff and Vale University Health Board for the practical, physical and emotional support you provide to patients. It makes a huge difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.”
Talking about what makes the role rewarding, Macmillan Skin Cancer CNS Anwen Nicholas said: “As a Macmillan CNS I am an advocate for my patients. It is so rewarding being able to offer them the support they need to help them through their cancer journey.”
Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists are experts in cancer care, offering guidance and reassurance to patients navigating their diagnosis and treatment. They assist with decision-making, provide clarity and information, and signpost patients to additional support services.
Hannah Belcher, Lead CNS for Myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, said: “I love the crossover between the science watching new treatments being developed and released, and the holistic care - enabling my patients to have quality of life throughout their treatment.”
Sharon Hulley, the Macmillan Rapid Diagnosis Clinic CNS said: “Being a Macmillan CNS has allowed me to support patients and their families at a time when they are most vulnerable and help them through some of the worst times of their lives, which is a privilege.”
Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist Rebecca Griffiths spoke about her commitment to improving patient care during hospital admissions: “I am passionate about improving the quality of care oncology patients receive when attending our health board during an acute admission. Attending hospital while having a known cancer diagnosis, undergoing cancer treatment or receiving a new cancer diagnosis during admission can be a difficult and scary time for patients. Working together with ward treating teams and supporting patients and their families is hugely rewarding'.
Many of the Cancer CNS workforce bring decades of experience to their role. Sara Elias, Lynne Bray and Rhian Parker are three Gynae Oncology CNS’s with 79 years of nursing experience between them.
Sara said: “We feel our role is essential in providing our patients with holistic care throughout their journey with us. The role of specialist nurses in oncology care has proven to be positive for both patients and relatives; providing the support and information needed to reduce anxieties and give the best experience in such a worrying time.”
Rhian Smith has been the Macmillan Palliative Care CNS for nearly 18 years. She said: “This role has enabled me to support patients and their families at the most difficult time.
“When a person is entering the final stages of their life, we only have one chance to get it right. Everyone deserves that.
"I find nursing in palliative care a very privileged role and I feel extremely passionate about the support and care I provide. I love my job.”
