In this week’s episode of Hospital on BBC Two, our staff work with patients who have cancer. Meet staff who work in our cancer services providing world-class care to our patients every day.
I am a consultant gynaecological oncologist based at Hammersmith Hospital. I specialise in surgery involving advanced and relapsed cases of gynaecological cancers. I started working at the Trust in January 2013, caring for NHS and Imperial Private Healthcare patients. The best part of my job is when I visit my patients after their surgery and tell them everything has gone well – and then I see the smiles spread across their faces.
Opportunities I’ve had
Every single patient is unique, and this always represents a new challenge that requires individualised care. I am very fortunate to work with an amazing multidisciplinary team and we all learn from each other. Our robust service is underpinned by one of the best professional, supportive and caring nursing teams I have had the pleasure to work with.
Working in London
It is a whole world in one city, and a great place for spending quality time with my son and my family.
I’ve worked at the Trust for 18 years. As pharmacy site lead at Charing Cross Hospital, I’m responsible for ensuring medicines are used safely, effectively and economically as well as overall responsibility for the pharmacy aseptic units where chemotherapy is prepared. I love the pace of the work and there is always something new happening which keeps me on my toes.
Opportunities I’ve had
I’ve had a lot of opportunities over the years. I have completed a diploma in clinical pharmacy and several management qualifications including a certificate in management studies. I’ve also been involved in a peer coaching group which has really helped me to develop my interpersonal skills and learn from others to help solve real life problems.
Working in London
I met my partner here at Imperial and have since had twins so most of my spare time is spent with them. The best thing about working in London is the fast paced nature of the city and the wide range of people from different cultures and communities that you get to meet.
I’ve been with the Trust for 19 years and am responsible for leading a team of clinical specialist nurses who support patients with leukaemia and haematological cancer.
The best part of my job is the pride I get from putting on my uniform every morning and working as part of a skilled, dynamic and motivated team. Patient care is what brought me into nursing, and it is what has kept me for 35 years. Supporting patients at one of the most difficult times of their life is a huge privilege. Knowing that I have helped that patient through their treatment, or in some cases, their death, is very rewarding.
My biggest challenges
Well if there’s one thing that nursing in general, and this role in particular, are not short of, then it’s challenges – whether it’s keeping up to speed with the very latest developments in the speciality, working across multidisciplinary boundaries, maximising the effectiveness of finite resources, or striving to deliver holistic and high quality patient care. The real test for nurses has always been how to respond and evolve our roles in a way that helps us meet those challenges head on.
When I leave work
I travel extensively – often to far-flung destinations. I love the theatre, particularly the Globe and being able to take advantage of the arts in London.
I’ve worked at Hammersmith Hospital for two and half years. As a chemotherapy nurse practitioner I support patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. I assess patients before they start their treatment, provide information about side-effects and ensure all the required investigations have been completed. I work closely with other health care professionals including GPs to ensure our patients receive the best care we can all offer.
I would say the most job satisfaction comes from talking to our patients and helping them to understand what will be involved during their individual chemotherapy treatment journeys. I know from experience that some will go through tough times, and it’s good to be there for them. The downside is not being able to see more patients due to time restraints. Recruitment presents a challenge because this is a specialised nursing job but the work is extremely rewarding. I’m supported by the best colleagues and teammates I could wish for.
Opportunities I’ve had
There is always so much to learn here, and that makes me appreciate working for a Trust that is also a world renowned teaching centre. I’ve recently completed a physical assessment course for non-medical practitioners. I’m looking forward to the nurse prescribing course that I’m going to do in September.
When I leave work
In my spare time I love being a mum, socialising with my friends and going for a run. One of the best things about living in London is the ease of travel around the city.
I started with Imperial Private Healthcare at Charing Cross Hospital as a cancer support navigator supporting private patients living with cancer. As the single point of contact for patients, I coordinated their care by arranging appointments, providing information about other services and making sure they had access to the clinical nurse specialists for all clinical concerns.
After two years in the role, I was seconded earlier this month to the Macmillan Cancer Support’s partnership project with the Trust. My new role has a second function where I am also office manager within the parallel communications team. My manager was really supportive of this opportunity and I benefited from a range of training course to develop my skills in preparation. My new role draws on my experience helping patients living with cancer and my understanding of the cancer journey and treatment plan.
Best part of my job
The best part of the job is seeing the joy on patients’ faces when their staging scan reveals the cancer has gone. It’s a magical moment to be part of.
When I leave work
I love walking. I incorporate it into my daily routine by walking for an hour on my way to work at Charing Cross Hospital. I just love getting lost in the hustle and bustle and the sights and sounds of London. I love working in London.
I’ve been a volunteer at the Trust for nine years. My role is to welcome people to Clinic 8, the dedicated cancer clinic at Charing Cross Hospital. I offer people refreshments when they arrive and make them feel as comfortable as somebody coming to a cancer unit can be helped to feel. I aim to break down barriers and be there as a friendly face.
Why I love volunteering
The best part of the role is the hugs I receive. It’s so lovely. Little notes from patients just saying thank you. It’s also just being able to see people looked a little bit relieved when you say, “Hello, who are you? Can I get you a cup of tea?” It’s about breaking down those barriers, that feeling of “Oh God, is everything going to be all right?” I try to adding a little bit of normality for the patient, but it’s definitely the hugs that are the best part, you’ve got to be into that. It’s sometimes holding somebody’s hand if they put their hand out to you, you’re just there for them. It’s very clear that it’s because you’re not a member of the clinical staff, you’re seen as one step closer related to the patient. It’s lovely still to be part of that team.
My biggest challenge
Knowing your boundaries. People will ask you questions and it might be slightly clinical and you think, “Well I know the answer to that,” but actually it’s not your role to give them that information. I need to make it very clear to people that I am a volunteer, so I cannot or wouldn’t wish to give any sort of clinical information. But I will always find someone who can assist them if I can’t help.
When I’m not volunteering
I love my garden, my very ancient 20-year-old cat and my absolutely wonderful husband. I’m into cycling and all the usual things, visits to the pub, seeing friends, seeing my family. I’ve lived and worked in London for nearly all my life and I think the best thing is the diversity, the amazing things you can do. I think it’s a brilliant place to work and live. It’s really friendly and Hammersmith is kind of edgy, you’re mixing with all kinds of people but people just get along together.
I am the Macmillan patient information and support facilitator based at the ‘infopod’ in the Garry Weston centre, Hammersmith Hospital. I have worked for the Trust’s Macmillan patient information and support service for almost three years. I am responsible for providing a wide range of information and support to people affected by cancer, and for signposting them to other services such as the psycho-oncology team, cancer clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) and the Maggie’s centre as well as within the community. I also refer visitors to the service’s Macmillan benefits adviser, who deals with financial concerns. I run drop-in sessions for carers, a six-week course for people living with and beyond cancer and also provide information resources and support on the wards.
I have benefited from various training opportunities, such as the coaching course I completed; it has been invaluable to my role in support groups. One of the conversations I have frequently is with patients finishing treatment; they want to get back to normal but they don’t know what normal is anymore. I’ll then have conversations about creating a new normal, setting new goals and looking at the future differently. The coaching course was really helpful in these situations.
Best part of my job
The best part of my job is meeting people and providing support at what can be a very difficult time – and being part of the NHS.
Most memorable work moments
I love watching how patients interact and support each other in the space we provide.
When I leave work
I love to cycle and sing when I’m not at work. London is a great city to live in, I love living in such a diverse multicultural community.
