Meeting a... Macmillan Head and Neck Clinical Nurse Specialist
Who are you: Catherine Ghosh.
Summarise your role: I support patients and their loved ones through their investigations and diagnosis of head and neck cancers, and onwards through treatment and post-treatment care.
I am a reference point for questions, and practical and emotional support for patients and their families, be it explaining treatment plans and expectations, or signposting to financial or psychological help. I also liaise with GPs, community services, and make referrals to St Catherine’s Hospice or lymphoedema services.
What do you find challenging about your role: It is obviously emotional giving a new cancer diagnosis, or telling someone their cancer has recurred. I am a lone CNS in role and I find it hard that my patients don’t have access to support when I am on leave.
What do you find rewarding: I love my patient group and the head and neck team. We work very well together.
Having a patient tell me they feel like themselves again, after gruelling radiotherapy is brilliant. I set up a support group for the patients and love how well attended it is, and seeing them looking out for each other is very rewarding.
What do you enjoy outside of work: Spending time with family and friends. I love the cinema, stand-up comedy, gigs, especially Springsteen, and going on an annual barge trip with friends.