Jill, who has been a member of the Neuro-Oncology team at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre since July 2019, was presented with the Professional Excellence Award at The Brain Tumour Charity’s Celebrating You 2023 event in London on Tuesday 4th April. The community awards event was all about celebrating and recognising those who’ve made a vital impact in helping to accelerate a cure for brain tumours.
Jill was nominated as she has gone above and beyond to support national education for all nurses that work with brain cancer patients through the Tessa Jowell Academy. The Academy is a national learning and networking platform connecting NHS brain tumour centres, founded by the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission; an organisation that awarded Clatterbridge with Centre of Excellence status in July 2022 for demonstrating the highest quality of brain tumour treatment, research and care.
Whilst Jill was providing this support to others, she was also caring for her patients at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. She has advocated for The Brain Tumour Charity counselling service and has also been part of the eHNA (Holistic Needs Assessment) workshops looking at the requirements and concerns about support needed following diagnosis and treatment, with the aim of allowing healthcare professionals and patients to achieve better personalised support, faster.
Jill was over the moon to receive the award, saying:
“It is such an incredible honour to have been nominated and awarded with The Brain Tumour Charity Professional Excellence Award. I feel incredibly privileged to do my role every day and thankful to those who have continuously supported me to do so.
“There is so much amazing work being done to improve the lives of those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis and I am honoured to be involved. I truly love educating and supporting those with an interest in caring for people with a brain tumour diagnosis to learn more, gain experience, and really feel confident in what they are able to achieve.
“My own personal experience has absolutely influenced the way I care for my patients and I will always continue to strive for the best for every person and family in my care.”
Dr Chloë May, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, works alongside Jill in the Neuro-Oncology team, and spoke with us about the well-deserved win:
“Jill embodies everything you need to be a superb cancer nurse looking after people with brain tumours and their families – clinical experience, understanding, compassion, dedication and enthusiasm. She has the drive to look after people now but also to improve care for the future. She deserved this award more than anyone I know, for her work both locally and nationally.
“We are working as a team to maintain excellent care at Clatterbridge - always aiming to provide the best holistic care possible. She is a delight to work with and our brain cancer team and patients at Clatterbridge are very lucky to have her.”
Well done, Jill!