Nurse Specialists
This page is for the use of
Clinical Nurse Specialists and
allied
professionals with an interest in
pancreatology
and contains details on:
Travel bursaries:
Contacting the group:
Future meetings
Further information on these may be downloaded from the Nurse / AHP section in the members area
Click here to download the latest CNS newsletter
Contact Address Information
If you would like any more details about the nurse group or have any ideas you would like to share please contact:
Ms Christina Pollard,
Specialist Nurse,
Department of Surgery,
Leicester General Hospital,
Gwendolen Road,
Leicester, LE5 4PW
Background information
Pancreatic cancer is traditionally regarded as a devastating disease with a short prognosis following the initial diagnosis. Because of the nature of the disease and the necessary staging procedure, diagnosis can take time and investigations can take longer and be more invasive than other cancers. The journey from first suspicion of malignancy to final diagnosis can be one of fear and anxiety, the patient and his/her family can have many complex emotional and physical needs. Patients with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer will come into contact with many professionals who will assess and give advice on which treatment path to follow. It is essential that patients and carers understand the process and treatment planned in order to give informed consent and reduce anxiety.
Recommendations from the manual of cancer services standards (IOG), state that any person suspected of having a cancer diagnosis should have access to a senior nurse from point of referral. As a result there are now significant numbers of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Cancer Practitioners and Macmillan Nurses in post who are responsible for helping to manage and direct the pathway of patients with pancreatic cancer. There is an increasing amount of skills and knowledge now available which has a dramatic impact on the patient with cancer. Data suggests that the impact of specialised care for common cancers and probably for many cancers can increase long term survival by 5-10%. Nurse’s interest in the Pancreatic Society of GB & NI has increased in recent years and participation within the society has been developing. Such membership throughout the different regions should be encouraged to coincide with the developing role of senior nurses as case managers and site specific tumour specialists. I am presently the nurse representative on the committee and would encourage nurse participation.
Aims and Objectives
The main aims of a nurse group with specific interest in pancreatic cancer would include the following: Encourage and develop evidence based practice Develop guidelines/protocols which are consistent and reliable Produce factual easy to understand patient information along the progress of the disease Share and disseminate information across the different regions Provide a register of contact details for members for support and advice For the last two years Lilly Oncology have sponsored a Pancreatic Study Day to encourage the above. The conference is designed by nurses for nurses and other members of the multi-disciplinary team with an interest in pancreatic cancer. Speakers from the different specialities including Surgeons, Gastro-enterologists, Oncologists, Macmillan Nurses, Dieticians and Clinical Nurse Specialists are invited to present items of interest and new developments. It has been well attended and interest shown has been very encouraging.
Travel Bursaries
For the first time the British Pancreatic Society has decided to award travel bursaries to the value of £300 are available to specialist nurses and allied paramedical professionals (dietitions, research nurses, etc) who have submitted abstracts to be presented at the annual meeting to help with travel and accommodation costs.