Page 26 - Inspire Magazine

Nurses families and the whole NHS.
rule,
Ok!
It’s hard to put into words the
vital role of lung cancer nurse
specialists. At a time when you
are lost and all at sea without
a clue which way to turn, they
are there.
They know the impact a lung
cancer diagnosis can have.
They know their way around
the healthcare system and
understand the options. They
can take a ‘step back’ from the
emotions shared within a
family. They are qualified,
experienced and professional.
They can be a guide, a
confidant and a key ally.
And now a research study has
found that people with lung
cancer live longer and cope
better with treatment when
cared for by specialist nurses.
Researchers looked at more
than 108,000 lung cancer
diagnoses made between 2007
and 2011, and surveyed more
than 200 LCNS about working
practices at their NHS trusts.
They found that patients with
lung cancer nurses specialists
not only had a lower risk of
dying, but also had a lower risk
of being admitted to hospital
unnecessarily, demonstrating
the pivotal role nurse
specialists have on patients,
26
of her care of me.
Ian Stewart, of the University
Sam, the specialist nurse
of Nottingham, said the study I’ve been working with in
Basingstoke Hospital, has
showed that ‘timely’
also been very supportive
involvement of the LCNS
working within the and caring. She has referred
multidisciplinary team ‘can
me for complimentary
lead to a quantifiably better
life with cancer’ for patients. therapy, where I had
acupuncture to help ease pains
in my feet. I have also been
His colleague, Professor Alison attending a support group
Leary of London South Bank, which Sam has organised for
added, ‘It is clear that receiving lung cancer patients and I have
care from a lung cancer nurse found this very inspiring”.
specialist is fundamental to
better outcomes for patients.’
“Her name was
Julie and I
will always be
appreciative of her
care of me.”
This has certainly been the
case for Carol Belding who
was diagnosed with stage 4
lung cancer in 2012:
“I’m now in my sixth year
of living with lung cancer, so
I have had several specialist
nurses look after me. One in
Southampton Hospital who
worked with me through my
first clinical trial was
particularly caring and
understanding.
Because it was a trial, she
would ask me plenty of
questions to determine how I
was feeling, what the chemo
was doing to my body and
what side effects I was
experiencing. My legs used
to be very shaky and I found
it difficult to walk unaided.
Her name was Julie and I
will always be appreciative