Organising for a patient to meet their idol is just part of Val’s day-to-day role as a cancer clinical nurse specialist (CNS).
Val Nicholson, who works at Ipswich Hospital, said the varied role includes so much when it comes to caring for a patient. It’s not just about treatment, but means supporting the patient and their family at every step of their journey.
Val is one of many cancer clinical nurse specialists at ESNEFT. Her role is Macmillan clinical nurse specialist for acute oncology and cancer of unknown primary and sarcoma, and she’s there to treat a patient “holistically”. She explains types of treatments, advocates for patients in medical meetings, shares financial information, signposts to other support organisations – and has even arranged for one patient to meet his football club idol.
Nurse in blue uniform looking at camera
Val Nicholson
She said: “The cancer pathway can be very complex and confusing for my patients and their loved ones. My CNS role is so diverse and involves me signposting patients, utilising other services, advising on treatments and symptoms.
“The pandemic has resulted in us seeing patients who are diagnosed at later stages, bringing with that many more complex cases and more psychosocial issues.
“If I can leave work each day knowing I have made a real difference to a patient’s life then I feel fulfilled. I’m there to listen, support and help – it can be a short or a very long journey and I’m there for someone and their family throughout that.”
Val wanted to be a cancer nurse from the age of seven and said it’s the most rewarding role she’s had during her 19 years of nursing.
Providing personal care is so important, she said organising for her patient Brian to meet Ipswich Town Football Club (ITFC) legend John Wark was an important thing to do in her role.
She added: “Brian said to me he would love to meet John Wark again – so I arranged it for him. I try to do everything I can for my patients. I’ve also organised for another patient to receive a signed birthday card from former football manager Harry Redknapp.”
John Wark (left), with Brian Towler (in chair) and Val Nicholson (right)
Brian Towler is currently having chemotherapy for cancer near to his bowel and bladder. The 53-year-old HGV driver was diagnosed last summer and said he can’t thank Val enough for the support she’s given him and his wife Rachael.
Brian, who is father to Mollie, 16, and Toby, 19, said: “Val has been so supportive to all of us – especially Rachael who has found it difficult at times.
Brian (in chair) with John Wark (left of Brian) and Brian’s family
“I try to be myself and Val and I have a lot of banter – that’s how it came out that I would like to meet John Wark again. It was just after Christmas, as I’d been in hospital, and Rachael, Mollie, Toby and Grace came in. Val said we all needed to go to the family room. I sat down and in came John and his niece who works at the hospital. It was a complete and utter surprise.
“He was such a gentleman. We all chatted and it was like we all knew each other. It was such a lift – something I really needed at that time and I’m really grateful to Val for organising it.”
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