Published on 16 March 2026
Every year, National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day gives us the opportunity to stop, reflect and recognise the extraordinary contribution that CNSs make to the lives of people affected by cancer.
Across Cheshire and Merseyside, CNSs are the heartbeat of our cancer services – guiding, advocating for, and supporting patients and their families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Across our region, the impact of CNSs is seen with:
- Improved patient experience and outcomes
- Better coordination of care across services
- Stronger trust and confidence in cancer pathways
- Leadership, innovation and education within healthcare teams.
These roles go far beyond job titles. CNSs are clinical experts, leaders, role models and innovators – often all at the same time.
Jon Hayes, Managing Director at Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA), said he was incredibly proud to join colleagues across the system in celebrating the CNS workforce.
He said: “This year’s National Cancer CNS Day theme, Championing Change, Transforming Lives, could not be more fitting. CNSs are not only responding to change, they are leading it. They shape services, support workforce development, embrace innovation and ensure that care continues to evolve to meet the needs of our population. Their contribution is essential to the future of cancer services and to delivering the ambitions of our long‑term workforce plans.
“As a Cancer Alliance, we are committed to championing the CNS role, investing in their development, and working collaboratively to ensure this vital workforce is supported, valued and sustained for the future.”
CMCA’s Deputy Lead Nurse Joanne Kinsey also shared her gratitude to the workforce, saying: “On National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day, I want to take a moment, on behalf of the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance, to recognise, celebrate and wholeheartedly thank our incredible Clinical Nurse Specialists across the region.
“Our CNS workforce sits at the very heart of cancer care. Every day, you champion change by challenging inequity, improving pathways, and ensuring that people affected by cancer are supported not just clinically, but holistically – as individuals, families and communities. You transform lives through your expertise, compassion and advocacy, often becoming the one constant for patients during the most uncertain and frightening times of their lives.
“Today, we celebrate you. We thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and the profound difference you make every single day. Your impact is felt not only in services and systems, but in the lives of people who will always remember the support you gave when it mattered most.
“Happy National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day – and thank you for everything you do.”