John Baron MP highlights the benefits of lung cancer nurses

John Baron MP recently met lung cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) to discuss the importance of their contribution when it comes to a patient’s treatment and care.  The National Lung Cancer Forum for Nurses (NLCFN) recently launched a report that showcases the work of lung cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists and provides recommendations on how to improve lung cancer services and maximise the impact of nurses.   The NLCFN provides education, a communication network and support and represents virtually all lung cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists in the UK. 

John said:

“Nearly 40,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year. Feedback from patients shows that improving access to CNSs could make a significant difference to their experience of treatment and care. However, there is only one lung cancer nurse in England for every 132 patients with lung cancer.

“I commend the work of lung cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists in supporting people with lung cancer. Whether it is helping patients to understand their diagnosis and prepare for treatment or supporting patients’ families, access to lung cancer CNSs is vital to help people manage life with their condition and to navigate the complex patient pathway.”

Liz Darlison, Chair of the NLCFN said:

“Policymakers must recognise the important role that lung cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists make to the lives of patients with lung cancer and the need to address the deficit of these nurses. We must also maximise the effectiveness of lung cancer CNSs and ensure specialist expertise is targeted at addressing the unmet needs of patients and their carers.”