Well Wishers has pinned its support on Walsall Healthcare staff who treat cancer patients by awarding them special recognition.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity paid for ribbon badges for cancer clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) to mark the first National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day, which recognised the outstanding job that cancer clinical nurse specialists do on a daily basis.

Throughout the day, members of the following clinical nurse specialisms were featured on social media:

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Community palliative care
• Acute palliative care
• Upper gastrointestinal cancer.

Having a clinical nurse specialist involved in a cancer patient pathway is still the single intervention that makes the most difference to a patient. That support and regular contact through diagnosis and treatment is essential to ensure positive experiences for patients.

Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse Nicky Adams said: “Thank you to Well Wishers for the donation that allowed us to buy the ribbon badges to present to our CNSs in recognition of their contribution to cancer patient care.

“The CNS role has been recognised in improving outcomes for individuals with cancer, as reported by service users, carers, the multidisciplinary team and the CNSs.

“Evaluations have clearly identified the positive contribution with regards improvements in supporting individuals with cancer, by meeting their information needs, symptom management and a more streamlined access to appropriate services.

“Furthermore, overall satisfaction scores related to the patients’ experience of services were improved when the role of the CNS contributed to their care.

“I’d also like to thank all my colleagues for National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day. The teams we featured are all different and provide care to our cancer patients.”