14 March 2025 is National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Day!
To celebrate, we spoke to Giando, clinical nurse specialist in our neurosurgical department.
Being diagnosed with brain tumours can be a life changing and frightening event and I have the privilege to be there for them through diagnosis, treatment and follow ups or whenever they need clinical advice or someone to talk to. I consider being part of their journey and coordinating their care a pleasure and a honour.
"I usually review inpatients following their operations or while waiting for their surgery, and I help coordinate their peri-operative care with the wider MDT. I also review patients in our clinics for diagnosis, scan results and post surgical follow up.
"The excellent communication and coordination of their care with colleagues and other professionals is what makes the process efficient and what ultimately makes a difference to patients and relatives."
"CUH nurtures a culture of team working and cooperation between different specialties and professionals. It offers a welcoming and fair working environment through equity, diversity and inclusion. I like working alongside exceptional clinicians and professionals and we strive to achieve excellence together and drive the care we provide in CUH to the highest national and international standards."
"My role benefits patients by diagnosing and treating conditions in a timely manner, and by being on the other side of the phone for them to discuss their symptoms when they are concerned.
"In times of fear and uncertainty I am there to discuss the implications of living with a brain tumour and having someone to talk to, should they need, is what patients usually need the most.
"I strive to provide the best possible care to our patients involving them in the decision making and empowering them through education and counselling."
Ultimately, despite my efforts, I would never be able to provide the care I wish for our patients without the amazing teamwork we have been able to build across specialties and without the support of my colleagues and the wider CUH family.