Mesothelioma charity appoints its first ever UK head of nursing

Ms Creech, who has worked for Mesothelioma UK for almost six years, is currently one of three team leaders for the charity’s 26 clinical nurse specialists.

In her new role, she will work closely with the charity’s operational team, trustees and nurses to strategically lead and develop the clinical nurse specialist team.

The UK has the highest incidence of mesothelioma in the world with around 2,700 people diagnosed each year, according to the charity.

Each of its nurses are based within an NHS hospital and dedicated to providing expert, specialist mesothelioma support, information, treatment and care across the region in which they are based.

Speaking on her promotion, Ms Creech said: “To be at the helm of the expert clinical nurse specialist service is such a privilege, as we endeavour to support mesothelioma patients, their families and the NHS.

“This is more apparent than ever due to the coronavirus pandemic but also going forward,” she said, highlighting the charity’s future ambitions to expand its nursing provision.

“We would like to establish a mesothelioma clinical nurse specialist post in every Cancer Alliance in England, and increase our footprint in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.”

She added: “The mesothelioma clinical nurse specialists are our tour de force, of course, ably supported by our dedicated operational team.”

The charity’s head of services, Liz Darlison, said: “We feel that this new head of nursing post is vital, especially in the current health crisis, and we’re delighted that Lorraine, with all of her experience and passion, has stepped into this post.

“Our nurses are currently supporting NHS colleagues to care for coronavirus patients as well as mesothelioma patients, but once the situation has improved, Lorraine will be preparing a nursing strategy and furthering our vision for mesothelioma nursing,” she said.