Welsh cancer charity to launch nurse led service for newly diagnosed cancer patients

Published: 04 September 2012

RCN Wales Supports Welsh cancer charity's nurse led service for newly diagnosed cancer patients

Tenovus, Wales’ leading cancer charity, is to launch a brand new service that will make a huge difference to cancer patients in Wales.

Following a successful pilot project, Tenovus was awarded a grant from the Burdett Trust for Nursing to launch the Tenovus Cancer Callback service; a service which will offer newly diagnosed cancer patients, wherever they live in Wales, a series of calls from an experienced nurse who will support them throughout their cancer treatment.

This new service also means that cancer patients will have a direct line to a dedicated nurse they can get straight through to, who will be able to help support and advise them, 7 days a week.

Claudia McVie, Chief Executive at Tenovus said: "We are so pleased to be able to launch Tenovus Cancer Callback as we know it will be of great benefit to newly diagnosed cancer patients across Wales.  Tenovus nurses will be with them throughout their treatment, every step of the way, and they will be just a phone call away any time of the day, seven days a week."

The project will run for two years with 3 part-time nurses joining existing staff?. As the nurses will have worked in NHS Wales, they will be bringing these skills to the service and we hope t that together, Tenovus and the NHS in Wales can improve health and well-being outcomes for patients living with cancer.

Tina Donnelly, Director of the Royal College of Nursing in Wales, offered her support for the new service.

She said: "The RCN in Wales is delighted to welcome this new nurse-led service for patients in Wales. Nurses have always been essential to new approaches to treating and supporting patients with cancer. They provide care, support and information for patients and their families, and are with people at the diagnosis, treatment and continuing care.

This is a great example of the NHS and the voluntary sector working together. It is essential to have positive partnership working between all sectors in the provision of health in order for patients to receive the best quality health care."

Health professionals can refer their patients by calling Tenovus on 0808 808 1010 or by emailing refertous@tenovus.org.uk

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For further press information please contact the Communications team on 02920 768789

Notes to editors:

Interviews with the Tenovus Cancer Callback service nurses and photographs are available on request.

Burdett Trust for Nursing awarded Tenovus a grant of £189,560 following a successful pilot project which took place between April and July 2011.

At Tenovus the aims are simple: to help prevent, treat and find a cure for cancer.　 In doing that the charity offers support, advice and treatment for cancer patients, information on cancer prevention and funding for research to improve the outcomes for people with cancer.　 Tenovus does this where it is needed most – right at the heart of the community.