Working in partnership with national charity, Mesothelioma UK, the London Asbestos Support Awareness Group has confirmed that it will fund Toni Fleming’s post as a Mesothelioma UK clinical nurse specialist, based at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
By providing funding for Toni’s post for the next two years and with a view to funding beyond that period, London Asbestos Support Awareness Group’s support enables Mesothelioma UK to continue providing patients in the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance region with a clinical nurse specialist – a vital resource for people with this disease.
Mesothelioma is a cancer related to exposure to asbestos and predominantly affects the lining of the lungs. The UK has the highest incidence of the disease in the world with around 2,700 people diagnosed each year.
Mesothelioma UK funds over 30 clinical nurse specialists around the country and partners with organisations such as London Asbestos Support Awareness Group to fund some of these posts.
Toni, who has been a lung cancer/palliative care specialist nurse since 2004 years and a Mesothelioma UK nurse since June 2020, provides clinical care for patients and will also support the teams of healthcare professionals throughout East Kent, helping to optimise patient access to treatments and promoting clinical trials.
Toni commented: “East Kent has a particularly high proportion of mesothelioma patients so I am very grateful to London Asbestos Support Awareness Group for continuing the funding my Mesothelioma UK post so I can continue to support patients in Kent and Medway.”
London Asbestos Support Awareness Group Support Manager, Jodie Bull commented: “London Asbestos Support Awareness Group is absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to fund the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance nursing post as we feel it provides a crucial link for sufferers of mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases where they will be supported throughout their journey by our excellent support workers.”
Leah Taylor, Mesothelioma UK Head of Nursing added: “Mesothelioma UK is so grateful to London Asbestos Support Awareness Group for providing funding for Toni’s post. Collaborating with other charities like London Asbestos Support Awareness Group, with whom we share goals and aims, means that our charities can help even more mesothelioma patients and their families. We’re delighted that Toni will continue to be an invaluable source of information and support to patients, families, and also to her healthcare colleagues in the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance area.”
London Asbestos Support Awareness Group is as a charity that supports patients and carers with a person-centred approach. The work is aimed at providing support (one-to-one support, in person and online support groups), providing information, offering advice and help with benefits and government and legal compensation schemes. The charity aims to reach more people and work closely with hospitals and healthcare professionals across the areas of London, Essex, Kent and Hertfordshire.
