Philip Reynolds, Consultant Therapeutic Radiographer in Prostate Radiotherapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, has secured a place on Prostate Cancer UK’s Clinical Champions Programme.

The Clinical Champions Programme provides a unique opportunity for Philip to develop the skills he needs to effectively influence care improvement, navigate the complexity of the NHS and deliver a project to improve prostate cancer care.

The programme brings together a multidisciplinary group of clinicians who share similar every-day challenges to develop a peer support network that transcends traditional hierarchy and allows them to share best practice, learn from and challenge each other.

Philip Reynolds

Philip qualified as a therapeutic radiographer from the University of Liverpool in 1999 and over the last 15 years has specialised in the care of people having radiotherapy for prostate cancer, gaining an MSc in prostate cancer care. Philip is currently a consultant therapeutic radiographer in prostate radiotherapy.

Philip is also an honorary lecturer at the University of Liverpool and a current member of the prostate specialist interest group of the European Association of Urological Nurses (EAUN), who he represents as part of an expert group trying to raise awareness of prostate cancer and people living with the consequences of treatment across the EU.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side-effect for people undergoing hormones and radiotherapy for prostate cancer but may not be at the forefront of anyone’s mind when they are diagnosed.

Philip hopes to explore the current guidance for treating ED in people having hormone therapy and radiotherapy. He will primarily look at the use of the vacuum device as no studies were identified evaluating its use in people having this treatment combination with all the evidence based on those who have had a prostatectomy.

Having seen first-hand the consequences of hormones and radiotherapy for prostate cancer Philip is well placed to explore the current guidance and hopefully improve on this leading to an update in both local and national practice.

Prostate Cancer UK said:

“Securing a place on our Clinical Champions programme is highly competitive. At both application form and interview stage, Philip demonstrated the passion, commitment and knowledge to improve prostate cancer care.

“Philip will lead an improvement project that aims to improve prostate cancer care across Cheshire, Merseyside and the surrounding areas, including the Isle of Man.

“We are excited to be working with Philip for the next 18 months and look forward to the positive changes that he will bring for men with and those affected by prostate cancer.”