Northampton nurse shortlisted for national award

A nurse specialist at Northampton General Hospital has been shortlisted for a national award because of her work supporting patients with brain tumours.

Sheralyn “Shez” Holmes, Macmillan neuro-oncology clinical nurse specialist, has been shortlisted for a Macmillan Professionals Excellence Award.

Shez is one of eight Macmillan professionals who have been shortlisted for the service improvement award. The winner will be announced at a national conference in November.

She said: “I am delighted to be nominated for this award.  I am just doing my job, but it’s lovely to be appreciated for what I do.”  

NGH cancer lead nurse Liz Summers, who nominated Shez, said: “These awards are a chance to showcase and thank Macmillan post holders who are shining lights in cancer care.  Shez is a great ambassador for Macmillan and a driving force for change to improve the patient/carer experience.  

“Until she came into post there was no support for patients living with a malignant brain tumour.  Shez is passionate about supporting this vulnerable and complex group of patients, and has revolutionised how brain tumour patients are cared for. She has raised their profile, and championed the development of services to meet their individual needs by implementing high quality patient centred care. 

“She proactively supports patients and carers following discharge - which is often a worrying time for them - and coordinates their timely pathway to oncology.  Her telephone advice has improved the patient/carer experience, prevented unnecessary hospital appointments and unplanned admission to hospital.”

Shez is also leading the Macmillan E-Holistic Needs Assessment pilot for NGH, working in new ways to elicit patient/carer concerns to ensure care plans are developed to meet their individual needs.