Sophia Holden has been appointed as a Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist and will be based at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust . The post has been funded in partnership with HASAG, the Southern-based asbestos-related disease charity.
Sophia will provide nursing care and support for mesothelioma (asbestos-related cancer) patients across the South East London Cancer Alliance. She will link with colleagues across the region to promote equitable access to mesothelioma specific support and treatment throughout the region.
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. The Guy’s and St Thomas’ is currently managing around 80 cases of mesothelioma.
In her new role, Sophia will care for patients throughout their treatment journey, and will also provide specialist support and advice to patients, families, healthcare professionals, and work with local patient support groups.
Sophia has been working with mesothelioma patients for the last 15 years, mostly as a Thoracic Surgery Nurse Specialist with the Guy’s and St Thomas’.
Commenting on her new role, Sophia said: “I’m really looking forward to this role and being able to dedicate time to mesothelioma patients in a proactive and holistic manner. I’m also really excited to be working closely with the other Mesothelioma UK Nurses around the country and with HASAG, helping with support groups and fundraising.”
Lorraine Creech, Head of Nursing for Mesothelioma UK, added: “Mesothelioma UK is extremely grateful to HASAG for part funding Sophia’s post. Our charities work so well together, supporting each other and working towards the common goal of helping mesothelioma patients and their families. Sophia joins our growing team of 34 clinical nurse specialists and I’m sure she will be an invaluable source of information and support to patients, families, and also to her healthcare colleagues in the South East London Cancer Alliance area.”
Lynne Squibb Co-Founder and CEO from HASAG added: “We are thrilled to be part funding Sophia’s post, our collaboration will ensure mesothelioma patients and their loved ones across South East London and beyond will continue to receive excellent care and support. This is the fourth Mesothelioma UK nurse HASAG has funded, from experience we know how important our partnership benefits our patients throughout their journey. We couldn’t offer this without the generosity of our amazing supporter whom we are extremely grateful for.
