Improving cancer care in Wales and beyond

Cardiff University, School of Healthcare Sciences and Velindre University NHS Trust have joined in partnership to grow research and develop a recognised centre of excellence in respect of Nursing, Allied Health Professional & Healthcare Scientist Research in cancer care & research in Wales and beyond.

The partnership includes recruiting a Professor in Nursing within Cardiff University for a three-year partnership to become Velindre Professor of Nursing and Interdisciplinary Cancer Care and a Velindre Research Fellow.  This partnership has been possible due to the funding support of the Velindre Cancer Centre Charity and Cardiff University.

The roles will develop a programme of externally funded nursing, Allied Health Professional and Healthcare Scientist cancer research looking at areas such as the impact of treatments on patients, and the delivery safe and compassionate cancer care for people with vulnerabilities and their families, working towards starting to address the inequality in cancer outcomes, which is a strategic priority in the Welsh NHS Plan 2020-2023. This provides new opportunities for the staff at Velindre Cancer Centre to get involved with and work alongside researchers on this exciting research and practice innovation journey.

Professor Jane Hopkinson, from the School of Healthcare Sciences has recently been appointed to the role of Velindre Professor of Nursing and Interdisciplinary Cancer Care. Professor Hopkinson said, “I am delighted to take on the role. I will be working with nurses, allied health professionals, and clinical scientists at the Velindre Cancer Centre to grow research capacity and establish a recognised centre of excellence in nursing and allied health professional cancer research.”

“The partnership between Velindre University NHS Trust and the School of Healthcare Sciences Cardiff University is important for cancer care research of benefit to patients and their families. Safe, high quality cancer care is associated with research activity. The new initiative will strengthen the synergistic relationship between the Velindre Cancer Centre and Cardiff University.”

“It will extend the existing robust portfolio of cancer treatment trials at Velindre, enabling non-medical practitioners to lead research about the holistic support needs of people with cancer and their families in Wales and beyond.”

Nicola Williams, Executive Director of Nursing, Allied Health Professionals and Healthcare Scientists said, ‘’This partnership represents an unique opportunity to not only support as many of our staff as we can to get involved in research and innovation but to also make a difference to the lives and outcomes of patients with Cancer. This approach will complement the extensive portfolio of clinical research being undertaken at Velindre.’’

The School of Healthcare Sciences is currently in the process of recruiting for the position of the Velindre Research Fellow.