A thank you to health professionals
This Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, we want to acknowledge, thank and celebrate every health professional who has been working tirelessly treating, supporting and caring for everyone affected by pancreatic cancer.
A message from all of us at Pancreatic Cancer UK
A note from our nurses
Our thoughts and respect to our colleagues in the NHS who have worked outside of normal boundaries in the most difficult of circumstances this year. Our thoughts and praise go to you all during this time, we are in admiration of all you are striving for and your persistence in providing support and treatment for those people affected by pancreatic cancer in these unprecedented times.
With all our thanks,
Di, Jeni, Lisa, Lynne, Nicci, Rachel & Tracey
Pancreatic Cancer UK Nursing team
A thank you from your patients
While we often hear about the bad experiences that people with pancreatic cancer have had in the healthcare system, we know that there are so many health professionals out there who are going above and beyond for their patients. And that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Here are some messages of thanks from patients to their wonderful health professional teams:
“I had a scheduled Whipple Surgery this February at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. I’ve worked in healthcare for over 45 years and was so impressed by the care and professionalism I received. The team on H.D.U introduced themselves each shift, checked in regularly and responded quickly when I needed them. My pancreatic nurses Claire, Kimberly and Elspeth have been fabulous and my surgeon Nigel and his assistant David along with the anaesthesiologist, surgical team and nurses are the tops in my book. Oncology staff, from the ladies at the front desk to my study nurse Jen and consultant Derek – I am so grateful for the care I received at the Beatson Hospital. Thank you all so much for your part in saving my life, onwards and upwards.”
Liz Connell, Ayrshire
“Two quick thinking doctors Emma and Tristan identified my need to be tested after a morning phone call and sent me to York Hospital where in four days pancreatic cancer was diagnosed. I appreciated the hospital registrar Robert’s quick action. He made sure I got my CT scan the same day as my ultrasound and was able to tell me the bad news that afternoon. Kim and the Oncology team have been marvellous with the first chemotherapy on the 19th August. Like Laura and the Haematology staff (I have Lymphoma as well diagnosed 2014) who share the same facilities, I get encouraging support. In such desperate circumstances, it amazes me how NHS staff remain so supportive and take the risk each day of catching COVID. Thank you to Teams Oncology and Haematology at York.”
Dave Mitchell, North Yorkshire
“I will never have the words to express my gratitude to the medical professionals who saved my life. They are in my mind every time I hear my daughter laugh, or cuddle up with my husband. The team at Southmead Hospital acute admissions, and my gastroenterologist Leonard and the GI team got me to a diagnosis in just four days. My surgeon Meg and the surgical team at the Bristol Royal Infirmary moved mountains over Christmas to determine my suitability for surgery, and arrange my operation for the first slot of 2020. Meg worked for 12 hours, on a broken leg, to remove all of my tumour. Her skill and persistence were remarkable. The HDU team had me up on my feet within 48 hours of surgery, and Baz and the whole nursing team made my two week stay comfortable. My oncologist Stephen and his team helped me to understand my treatment, and Debbie and the other chemotherapy nurses got me through it, even when I was sick on their shoes! I know there are many more… the physios, dieticians, pharmacists, porters, caterers, cleaners, and more. I will be forever grateful.”
Bryony Thomas, Bristol
Support and care for you
To help you get through the rest of this unprecedented year, we’ve put together a small list of resources (approved by our specialist nurses) that we thought you might find useful for looking after your own wellbeing. And if you haven’t already, you could also check in with the wellbeing teams in your own trust to see what they’re offering.
- Toolkit: Mental Health at work – a toolkit of resources for support and advice for health care workers
- Support Services: Support Services & Access to Therapy: a list of support services collated by NHS Practitioner Health
- Website: Coronavirus Staff Resilience Hub – created for all frontline staff, MindEd has selected the best advice and tips from a large panel of international experts, created by NHS Health Education England in partnership with NHS England-Improvement, supported by Skills for Care.
- Mobile Apps: NHS staff have been given free access to a number of wellbeing apps from now until the end of December 2020 to support their mental health and wellbeing.
As a charity, we are here to stand alongside you, your patients and their loved ones. And we will support you in any way we can. If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch with us at hpnetwork@pancreaticcancer.org.uk.