On Monday 16 March we celebrated Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day, a chance to recognise the outstanding dedication of our Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) team at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals.
Cancer CNSs play a vital role in supporting patients, families, and carers throughout the cancer journey. From the moment of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond, they provide expert clinical knowledge, reassurance, and guidance - helping patients feel informed, supported and never alone.
Each CNS brings specialist expertise in specific tumour groups and works closely with patients to help them navigate their care. They listen, advocate and guide patients to safe, personalised care at every stage, reaching out wherever patients may be - in hospital, the community or at home.
The role of a Cancer CNS is varied and complex. As part of the multidisciplinary team, they represent the patient’s voice, coordinate care, facilitate difficult conversations and ensure clear communication between services. Many CNSs independently lead clinics, assess symptoms, review results, and act quickly to support patient needs, including pain and symptom management. Cancer CNSs are also a vital resource for colleagues across the trust and wider community, offering expert advice and guidance to support high quality, joined up care.
This work is made possible through close collaboration with Cancer Support Workers and trackers, who work alongside the CNS team to help coordinate care and deliver personalised interventions.
We are incredibly proud of our Cancer CNS team and the compassion, expertise, and dedication they show every day.
