A Sheffield team providing outstanding care and support to teenagers and young adult cancer patients has won a national honour. The Sheffield Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service supports patients aged 13 to 25 across the whole of South Yorkshire. It was the only team in the north of England to win a top award at the Children and Young People’s Cancer Association.
The service is based at Sheffield Teaching Hospital, one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching hospitals, and is setting a benchmark for patient-centred cancer care for young people.
The team is led by clinical nurse specialists and young support coordinators, who work alongside specialist doctors to provide the best treatment possible for 13- to 25-year-olds experiencing cancer.
Meeting young people where they feel comfortable
As part of their innovative approach to cancer care, the Sheffield team breaks down barriers for young patients by offering support in settings where they feel most comfortable. This includes their home, school or another hospital closer to home.
By meeting young people in familiar environments, the team eases the stress and anxiety that young people often associate with hospital visits. The service has also led to fewer hospital admissions and encouraged more open conversations between patients and healthcare professionals.
The team’s pride at winning the award
Liz Purnell, Teenage Cancer Trust lead nurse, said: “We are incredibly proud to have won this award which is a positive reflection of the feedback our patients have given to us.
“As well as supporting teenagers and young adult cancer patients with the effect of cancer on their physical, mental, psychological and social health during and beyond treatment, our team offer ongoing bereavement support to parents and family members of teenagers and young adult cancer patients who have sadly passed away.”
Purnell joined the team two years ago and the team has experienced staff changes, so this recognition has only strengthened their bond and increased the drive to rebuild their peer support system after Covid-19.
The staff members are funded by Teenage Cancer Trust but are employed by the hospital. In 2022, the ward was lucky to receive funding for an extra nurse to join their team.
From local communities to a national group
The team has been recognised for providing holistic support both during treatment and for two years after a patient’s cancer therapy. This includes a nurse-led end-of-treatment clinic and an in-person psychology service, giving patients space to explore the physical and emotional impacts of cancer.
To support young people with their recovery, the team also runs monthly drop-in peer support groups and organises special events, creating a community for young survivors to rebuild their lives.
Purnell said, “Going forward, I would like to look at the inequalities that our young people face.
“We do this already in a way, as our nurses go to where the patients are and we try and host peer activities near to where the patients live, so they don’t have to come to Sheffield all the time, because some of our patients live three hours away.”
In addition, the Sheffield team leads a national group which is focused on cancer care for teenagers and young adults. This includes work on palliative and end-of-life care, the transition to adult cancer care, and research into genetics.
Article based on press release
