MESOTHELIOMA is an asbestos-related cancer and the UK has the highest incidence of mesothelioma in the world, with a growing number of mesothelioma patients in Scotland. This new Team Leader post is funded by Mesothelioma UK and local support group, Action on Asbestos.
Carolyn qualified in 2000 and was appointed as a Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist in 2017. Prior to her role with Mesothelioma UK, she worked for over 10 years as a Respiratory CNS in south Glasgow, predominantly with patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease and asthma, and has experience in the acute, community, educational and outpatient settings.
Commenting on her new role, Carolyn said:
“I’m delighted to be taking on this new role, funded by Mesothelioma UK and Action on Asbestos. Clinical Nurse Specialists have the potential to transform care for those affected by mesothelioma by offering a dedicated resource for patients and their loved ones.
“The Macmillan Scottish Mesothelioma Network provides patients with high-quality care and information and ensures equity of access to treatment and clinical trials. The Network has huge potential as a force for change in mesothelioma-related practice and outcomes, and it is an honour to be a part of it as it continues to develop and grow.
“Hopefully together, we can support more patients throughout their journey and help to champion research into better treatments, practice and ultimately, better outcomes.”
Lorraine Creech, Mesothelioma UK Head of Nursing, added:
“Mesothelioma UK is proud to welcome Carolyn as our first Team Leader for Scotland. Our partnership working with the Macmillan Scottish Mesothelioma Network has been the springboard for this role and we now have five Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialists and one Pleural Specialist Nurse in an affiliated role throughout Scotland. We also have a further post in the planning stage.
“This hub and spoke set up mirrors Mesothelioma UK in England and as the number of Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialists increases in Scotland, local leadership is vital. Carolyn has a wealth of experience in her current role and has already demonstrated her leadership skills and drive to make mesothelioma matter in Scotland.”
Director and senior WRO of Action on Asbestos (formerly Clydeside action on asbestos) Phyllis Craig MBE stated:
“Our charity is delighted that Carolyn has now been appointed as team leader for Scotland’s Mesothelioma UK nurses. We were delighted that we have been able to part-fund this post and hope to work in partnership with Mesothelioma UK to fund additional nursing posts in Scotland in the future.”
