Joanne Darby and Karen Price from University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust ‘adopted’ by asbestos-related cancer charity
Two nurses from the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust have been ‘adopted’ by Mesothelioma UK, the national asbestos-related cancer charity. Lung cancer nurses, Joanne Darby and Karen Price have joined Mesothelioma UK’s growing team of Clinical Nurse Specialists to extend its support and care for mesothelioma patients in the Morecambe Bay, Lancaster and Barrow regions.
The main aims of the adopted nurse posts are to support the development of existing nurse specialists, enhance specialist mesothelioma knowledge base and skills, and enhance the outcomes and experience of mesothelioma patients and their families.
Joanne Darby is a Lung Cancer Nurse, covering the areas of Lancaster and Barrow. She was previously a Chemotherapy Nurse for two years and prior to that, was an Acute Medical Nurse. Joanne is looking forward to working with the Mesothelioma UK team, utilising their education and expertise, exploring clinical trials and surgical options for patients, and organising support groups for the local area.
Karen Price is a Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist, working alongside Joanne. She was previously an Acute Respiratory Ward Manager and Ward Sister at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. She has significant experience in dealing with patients with respiratory conditions and the high incidence of mesothelioma in nearby Barrow has led to her interest in the treatment of mesothelioma.
Sue Smith OBE, Executive Chief Nurse for University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust said: “I want to congratulate Joanne and Karen on their adoption and know they will bring a huge amount of expertise to the charity – and that this, in turn will help both people across Morecambe Bay, and people across the country, particularly those suffering from asbestos-related conditions and their families.”
Liz Darlison, Head of Services at Mesothelioma UK added: “The Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialists team are looking look forward to working with the newly adopted nurses in Morecambe Bay where they can hopefully make a real difference to the care of people with mesothelioma, to their families and their carers.”
About University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust:
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust provides community and hospital services across the Morecambe Bay area, an area covering a thousand square miles from Millom, across south Cumbria and covering Lancaster, Morecambe and north Lancashire. It operates the three hospital sites – Furness General Hospital in Barrow, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal, as well as numerous community healthcare premises across the area including Millom Hospital and GP Practice, Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe and Ulverston Community Health Centre. We provide integrated hospital and community services, as well as working with partners across nine Integrated Care Communities in the area, grouped around GP Practices.