Publish date: 19 April 2023
A national campaign will highlight the fantastic work of Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists this month.
National Cancer CNS Day will take place on Wednesday, April 26th when their work with cancer patients will be highlighted and applauded.
In order to support the treatment and care of cancer patients – and the needs of all those living with the disease now and in the future – a number of different roles are needed in the health workforce.
Cancer CNSs provide skilled, personalised care, improving the experience of these patients and the multidisciplinary colleagues they work with.
However, the Cancer CNS workforce is an ageing population, with an 18% older workforce than the general nursing workforce, and 30% of CNSs are looking to retire within the next decade.
One of the aims of National Cancer CNS Day is to promote the work of these staff, raise their profile and to encourage people to join the workforce.
Hospital trusts across the country who employ Cancer CNSs are planning thank you events, ‘day in the life of’ videos, CNS away days and other activities.
Last year, the first National CNS Day reached 12 million people and it is hoped this year’s event will be even more popular.
Jon Hayes, Managing Director of Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance, said: “I am so pleased there is a dedicated national day to celebrate the amazing work of our cancer clinical nurse specialists. National Cancer CNS Day gives us all a chance to show our gratitude to the clinical nurse specialists who support our cancer care teams right across Merseyside and Cheshire.
“With the demand for cancer services increasing, we need CNSs more than ever before, and National Cancer CNS Day gives us a chance to highlight the incredible work they do and promote their importance in the process of personalised treatment and care of our cancer patients.
“Thank-you for your dedication, your expertise and the emotional support you give.”
Follow the day on social media with this hashtag: #NationalCancerCNSDay.