Cancer Nurse Leader of the Year Award

Winner: Liz Darlison University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

In cancer nursing, possibly more acutely than any other area of nursing care, the quality of nursing leadership sets the tone, delivering an environment in which exceptionally high-quality care can be nurtured and delivered. The inaugural winner of this award is Liz Darlison (pictured), consultant nurse at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and for Mesothelioma UK.

Winner: Liz Darlison University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

In cancer nursing, possibly more acutely than any other area of nursing care, the quality of nursing leadership sets the tone, delivering an environment in which exceptionally high-quality care can be nurtured and delivered. The inaugural winner of this award is Liz Darlison (pictured), consultant nurse at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and for Mesothelioma UK.

Working with patients with mesothelioma – a rare form of lung cancer – Liz set up the UK's first nurse consultant post in the condition and went on to establish Mesothelioma UK, a national resource centre for patients, their families, healthcare professionals and associated organisations.

The judges admired her determination and persistence, saying Liz's passion shone through all her work. One said: 'She remains patient focused at all times, despite achieving a national profile and becoming a key figure in bringing a range of organisations together to raise the profile of mesothelioma'.

They added that a place on the national cancer leadership programme at the Royal Marsden Hospital School of Cancer Nursing and Rehabilitation, which is part of the winning prize, would enhance her strong leadership skills.

---------------------------------

Finalists

Carolyn Harper, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Carolyn works across primary, secondary and tertiary services to improve the care pathway for cancer patients. Her remit includes education, staff development and mentorship, pathway redesign, and developing a support programme and Gateshead's 'whole team, whole systems' approach. She is seen as 'a dynamic, patient-focused, passionate and persuasive nurse.'

Karen Phillips, Jersey General Hospital
As chemotherapy nurse specialist, Karen coordinates the trust's service, providing training and education to all staff involved in the administration and disposal of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Her achievements include developing standardised guidelines on anti-emetic treatment and raising awareness of chemotherapy-induced fatigue. She is described as 'an exceptional nurse who provides care to patients in a caring and empathetic manner'.

Kelly Taylor, Medway NHS Trust
A colorectal advanced practitioner, Kelly provides specialist, high-quality care for patients with malignant colorectal disease. Promoting communication between primary, secondary and tertiary care teams, she ensures delivery is as streamlined as possible. She is described as having excellent qualities, including 'confidence, drive, motivation, commitment, determination, the ability to encourage others, the ability to challenge and the ability to lead major change.'

Carol Turner, Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust
As lead cancer nurse in the trust, Carol manages a team of clinical nurse specialists and the haematology and oncology unit, and ensures that national and local cancer service targets are achieved trustwide. She is described as 'a transformational leader with vision and drive'.

---------------------------------

Judges

- Rachel Downey, editor, Nursing Times
- Shelley Dolan, chief nurse, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Jackie Green, nurse consultant/lead nurse, Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust
- Sara Lister, assistant chief nurse/head of school, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

---------------------------------

Sponsored by The Royal Marsden School of Nursing and Rehabilitation

The Royal Marsden School of Cancer Nursing and Rehabilitation is proud to sponsor this award. We believe that effective leadership delivers real improvements in care and for this reason the National Cancer Leadership Programme is a vital component of the portfolio of programmes we offer. Our courses are led by academics working in clinical practice ensuring education is informed by the latest research. If you want to further your career in cancer care then call us on 020 7808 2900.