Lyndsey Haffenden has been appointed as a new Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist for Wales, based at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, part of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. In her new role, Lyndsey will provide treatment, care and support for mesothelioma (asbestos-related cancer) patients across Wales.
Lyndsey will also work with lung cancer nurses in Welsh hospitals and the wider Mesothelioma UK clinical nurse specialist team on advanced care planning. She will attend the regional Multi-Disciplinary Team for Wales and will also work with Asbestos Awareness and Support Cymru, an independent charity supporting patients with asbestos-related illnesses and their families in Wales.
Lyndsey will work for the national asbestos-related cancer charity, Mesothelioma UK for two days per week, with the role funded by Macmillan Cancer Support for the first two years. She will also continue to work on the Lung Health Check (lung cancer screening) Pilot at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board alongside her new role.
Lyndsey’s background is in primary care, having worked as a senior practice nurse for 18 years, focusing on respiratory diseases and chronic disease management. She started off her nursing career by working in The Royal Navy for seven years.
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.
Commenting on her appointment, Lyndsey Haffenden said: “I’m delighted to be joining Mesothelioma UK, and to bring my clinical and research capabilities to this new role. I’ve been affected personally by lung cancer after my dad passed away from the disease in 2022. This inspired me to get involved with the Lung Health Check Pilot project and allows me to bring a patient and family perspective to my clinical role.”
Katy Powell, Macmillan Professional Engagement & Improvement Lead commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Lyndsey into this post, partnering with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and Mesothelioma UK. The role has been developed to increase the specialist support to mesothelioma patients across Wales. It will also provide an opportunity to develop the post holder into the role, providing a skill mix and succession planning within the local and national team.”
Leah Taylor, Head of Nursing at Mesothelioma UK added: “We’re so pleased to bring Lyndsey into the wider Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist team, strengthening the support and resources available for mesothelioma patients in Wales.”
