Macmillan is investing over £100,000 to develop the cancer nursing workforce in north Cumbria.

Too many people in the north of England cannot access specialist cancer care, and Macmillan say they know what an amazing impact a Macmillan Nurse can have to someone’s cancer journey, so they've launched the 'Macmillan Cancer Nurse Specialist Workforce Development Programme'.

The investment of almost £4.5 million across the north of England includes around £106,000 of funding over two years for a specialist cancer nurse development post at North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC) NHS Foundation Trust.

Sian Storey, from Longtown, has started her role as a trainee clinical nurse specialist in the Gynaecology Oncology team at NCIC, as part of the two-year Macmillan programme.

The 26-year-old, who qualified as a nurse over four-years-ago and is based at Cumberland Infirmary, has previously worked on the emergency admissions ward and also same day emergency care unit, where she first developed her interest in cancer care.

"I'd never have had the opportunity to get this role, and eventually become a clinical nurse specialist, if it wasn't for Macmillan's programme. I've got the chance to gain vital knowledge and 'hands on' experience working closely with senior cancer nurse specialists.

"I also get the chance to help improve cancer patients' experience by building a rapport, and ongoing relationship, with patients and support them throughout their cancer pathway, from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond, which is so rewarding about the role. I absolutely love it."

The new roles include shadowing senior cancer care specialists, as well as providing the opportunity to build up academic skills and to take on research, whilst preparing nurses to become fully-fledged cancer specialists at the end of their term.

Kiyla Murray, lead cancer nurse at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, explains: "The Macmillan Workforce Development Programme is a fantastic way to support junior nurses in-house.

“It gives them time to shadow their more senior cancer specialist colleagues, without constantly having the pressure of being called back onto the ward, as well as providing the opportunity to experience the role first-hand."