Top trio go above and beyond
Three specialist cancer support workers have been recognised for going over and above to care for patients.
Louise Muddiman, Claire Hamilton and Vicky Stevenson, who all work for East Kent Hospitals, received certificates of recognition at an event organised by NHS Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance.
Cancer support workers offer practical, emotional and social support, from listening to people’s worries to providing information about financial support or ensuring religious beliefs are respected.
Louise Muddiman, a haematology cancer support worker at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, was nominated for her work supporting patients and the rest of the team.
Steph Goodchild, lead cancer nurse specialist for haemato-oncology, said:
“She works incredibly hard and is competent reliable and such a pleasure to work with. She is one of the most caring and compassionate people I have ever met, and she helps our patients to feel cared for and supported.
“If any of my family needed hospital or cancer services, I would want Louise to care for them. She is amazing, and makes a difference every day.”
Claire Hamilton, who also works at K&C with patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers, was nominated by her team, who said they would be lost without her.
Steph said: “She has supported patients with a dedicated, caring and compassionate approach. She is always of a cheery disposition and takes time with our patients and their carers to hear about all aspects of their lives, that influence their wellbeing within their cancer journey.
“She has made a real difference and impact with our cancer compliance team and pathway patients, with engagement calls to ensure a supportive discussion and plan of care for attendance at forthcoming appointments. We would all be lost without her!”
Vicky Stevenson, a breast cancer support worker at William Harvey Hospital, was nominated for going above and beyond.
Breast cancer nurse specialist Vanessa Potter said: “She is very patient focused and nothing is ever too much trouble.
“Vicky is very hardworking, very organised and a wonderful colleague. She most definitely deserves recognition.”
Ritchie Chalmers, a breast and oncoplastic surgeon and medical director for Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance, said: “Our cancer support workers provide our patients with essential practical and emotional help throughout their journey
“The words that patients and colleagues have used to describe the support they give say it all: ‘wonderful, knowledgeable, essential, reassuring.’”
Find out more about the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance at https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/transformation-projects/cancer-care
Read their press release about the event here: https://www.kentandmedway.icb.nhs.uk/news-and-events/news/recognising-our-cancer-support-workers