The first national Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Day celebrates the brilliant work of the CNS workforce across the country and the vital work they do in caring for cancer patients.
With the demand for cancer services ever increasing, the recruitment of Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists is essential in ensuring patients can continue to access high-quality care and support during a very challenging time.
National Cancer CNS Day aims to shine a light on Cancer CNS roles, and encourage prospective and current nursing staff to consider specialising in cancer care.
What is a Cancer CNS?
- They are experts in cancer and usually cover one type of cancer only, due to the complexity of the disease and its treatments
- They act as the patient’s key worker, providing information about their type of cancer, treatment options and possible side effects
- They offer practical and emotional support and act as the patient’s advocate
- CNS’ often run nurse-led clinics, working alongside the multi-professional team to provide treatments and symptom management support
- CNS’ work with patients who have been admitted to hospital unwell due to their cancer or its treatment – this is called the Acute Oncology Service
- CNS’ support patients when their cancer is not curable and into end of life- this is the palliative care service
How many Cancer CNS’ do we have at UHSussex?
- We have the equivalent of 42 full-time Cancer CNS are based in Brighton, also providing CNS support at Princess Royal Hospital. The roles are in solid cancers including breast care and haematology, acute oncology and palliative care
- At St Richard’s Hospital and Worthing Hospital we have 58 full time Cancer CNS. The roles are in solid cancers and haematology, acute oncology and palliative care