Cancer affects everyone – either directly or through friends and families. With someone in the UK now being diagnosed every 75 seconds, personalised support has never been more important.
NHS cancer clinical nurse specialists play a vital role in coordinating and delivering personalised care for patients’ physical and emotional needs. Each nurse works in a different cancer speciality and acts as a point of contact for people with cancer.
Meet some of the cancer clinical nurse specialists caring for people with cancer across Teesside…
Michelle Mitchell, colorectal specialist nurse
Michelle began her career in bowel cancer nursing 40 years ago, as a student nurse training in Taunton, Somerset.
She now works as a clinical nurse specialist at the University Hospital of North Tees. She is a designated point of contact for the many patients she supports in colorectal cancer.
For her, the role is all about making the patient’s journey as seamless as possible and as safe as it can be.
Michelle explains: “You really get to know the patient, their relatives and you become part of their family in a way. You form a close relationship with them and it’s really a privilege to walk with people in their shoes.
“You’re invited into someone’s world and you’re trying to make that world the best you possibly can for them at that time.”
Claire Beevis, haematology nurse specialist
Claire began her tenure at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle as a newly qualified nurse in September 1996. Her 30-year career has seen her dedicated to supporting patients across the North East with blood and bone marrow cancers.
Now a haematology nurse specialist at The James Cook University Hospital, she supports patients with blood cancers in receiving their care closer to home.
She said: “I feel it’s an important role gaining a trusted rapport with our patients and being able to assess them in their own surroundings.
“I work in a supportive and friendly team, who all strive to work together to streamline patient care and enable our often scared, frail and unwell patients to spend as much time at home as possible.”
Chichi Chijioke, cancer nurse specialist in gynaecology
Chichi first qualified as a midwife before completing her nursing qualification in 2014, in her home of Nigeria. She made her way to the UK in 2019, working across gynaecology, early pregnancy health and sexual health.
With a clear passion for women’s health, Chichi became a cancer clinical nurse specialist in the gynaecology department at the University Hospital of North Tees two years ago. She acts as a bridge between doctors and patients and offers holistic support – including referrals into psychology, carers’ support and holistic therapies.
Chichi explains: “It’s really just about you being there, and the patient knowing that you’re there for them. You’re there for patients during the times they will always remember. It’s so rewarding being able to live those moments with them.”
Sue Ellis, neuro-oncology clinical nurse specialist
Sue began her nursing career in 1998, working in the surgery teams at The James Cook University Hospital.
After working across Windsor, the Shetland Islands, and even Costa Rica and Nicaragua, a growing interest in cancer care saw her complete her degree in cancer nursing. She found her place at James Cook as a neuro-oncology specialist nurse, supporting people with cancer of the brain and central nervous system.
Describing her career, Sue said: “For quite some time, in my early career, I never quite felt I knew where I fitted in. Now, I absolutely feel that life has a way of setting you on the right path and I can’t imagine working anywhere else. I still often pinch myself as I can’t quite believe I’m here.
“My advice to anyone would be believe in yourself, don’t ever doubt how much is possible and how much you’re capable of. If you have the passion and determination, you can do anything to put your mind to.”