Gemma Dinn
Gemma Dinn, Consultant Radiographer for
Head and Neck Cancer at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre

The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre has boosted its team of expert Consultant Radiographers, with head and neck cancer specialist Gemma Dinn joining the Trust.

Gemma’s recruitment means The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre now boasts a team of nine highly skilled Consultant Radiographers, with specialities ranging from prostate cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer to palliative care and now head and neck cancer.

Consultant Radiographers are expertly trained Therapeutic Radiographers who have received extensive additional training to be able to access patients suitability for treatment, treat cancers and support patients throughout their experience. Gemma is one of only six Consultant Radiographers in the UK that specialise in treating patients with head and neck cancers, such as cancer of the tongue or mouth, throat cancer and cancer of the voice box, known as the larynx.

Cheshire and Merseyside has some of the highest rates of head and neck cancer in the country. The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is committed to supporting initiatives into the prevention, detection and treatment of head and neck cancer as part of the Liverpool Head and Neck Cancer Centre (LHNC), alongside Liverpool University Hospital Foundation Trust, The Walton Centre and the University of Liverpool. LHNC brings together a breadth of internationally recognised clinical and scientific expertise to create opportunities to make a difference to patients through research, innovation and education. 

Gemma’s role will be to manage the radiotherapy treatment of her patients at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, supporting in the planning of their course of treatment and working alongside other specialists and a patient’s oncologist to account for the often complex needs of her patients, including challenges with speech, eating and swallowing.

Delivering radiotherapy to patients with cancer of the head and neck is often required to be incredibly precise as the treatment area can be so small. Gemma, alongside the Radiotherapy Team and oncologists at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, have to ensure they deliver radiotherapy to the exact area to be treated and minimise damage to the surrounding tissue, which requires incredible skill and expertise to prepare and administer.

Gemma, who has over 18 years’ experience as a Therapeutic Radiographer and Advanced Clinical Practitioner, is returning to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, where she began her career, from The Christie in Manchester. She received her training at the University of Liverpool. Gemma says: “I’m delighted to be returning to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre to develop my skills as part of their team of Consultant Radiographers.

“With Cheshire and Merseyside having high rates of head and neck cancer and patients often requiring complex care, there was a real service need for someone with this speciality. As a Liverpudlian, I am delighted to return to the city, to give back to my community and support these patients alongside my colleagues.

“My role is to support my patients from planning and prescribing their radiotherapy, right through to their follow ups, often for several years post-treatment.

“I’m looking forward to settling into the role where I’ll be following the same training model as my fellow Consultant Radiographers, attending outpatient clinics and supporting Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings across The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s three radiotherapy sites.”