A nurse who acts as a lifeline for patients through one of the most challenging cancers has been nominated in the Sunday Post category of the Royal College of Nursing Scotland awards.
Jillian Shedden, a clinical nurse specialist in head and neck cancer at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), “moves heaven and Earth” to get patients to appointments when they feel devastated by face-changing surgery.
The Macmillan cancer support nurse gives them the courage to attend vital radiotherapy treatments and arranges transport if needed.
The cancer affects almost 1,200 Scots every year and can mean changed appearance, difficulty in eating and getting used to breathing with a tracheostomy.
Jillian said: “A number of those patients are diagnosed at a later stage when the task of surviving it with dignity is challenging.
“It is entirely understandable that some lose their confidence and want to give up, but it is our job to do everything we can to support them through treatment.”
Some of her patients have challenging lives which make hospital cancer appointments almost impossible but with a network of volunteer drivers and back-up she gets them out of their homes and into The Beatson cancer unit in Glasgow for treatment.
She said: “It is challenging for some to get to hospital because they do not always have transport. If a patient cannot get there, we arrange to collect them.
Her drive to help patients make good recoveries involves using different filters to reduce infection for those who have been intubated.
“There’s great joy in seeing patients go from a cancer diagnosis to surgery, radiotherapy, reconstruction often learning to eat and speak again, to recovery,” she said.
Julie Lamberth, RCN Scotland Board chairwoman, said: “Nurses and nursing support workers are innovators and problem solvers.
“We have a passion for patient care and for our profession but too often we shy away from shouting about the contribution we make.
“The People’s Choice Award is the public’s opportunity to recognise a nurse, midwife or nursing support worker who has made a difference.”
Nominate today here or write to Royal College of Nursing Scotland, 42 South Oswald Road, Edinburgh, EH9 2HH.
Just say who you are, who your nomination is and why. The deadline is January 12.
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