The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has welcomed the first batch of locally-trained Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), who will work alongside multi-disciplinary cancer teams to provide individualised care and dedicated support to cancer patients at the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research
(NCCCR).
The six new nurses have recently graduated from a master’s degree programme in nursing, focused on oncology nursing. The programme, which was jointly developed in partnership by HMC and the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ), aims to equip nurses with the required skills to contribute to evidence-based, high quality cancer care.
The new CNSs will be supporting patients with gastro-intestinal (GI) or breast cancer and also those with pain and palliative care
needs.
The cancer journey is complex and often confusing, especially for newly affected patients. It involves care interventions from various multi-site professionals such as oncologists, surgeons and counsellors. However, the clinical nurses provide and reinforce relevant information and appropriate liaison with other professionals to improve the cancer care process for patients.
Prof Alexander Knuth, medical director NCCCR said: “The importance of the role of the CNS was highlighted in the National Cancer Strategy along with a recommendation that all patients with a cancer diagnosis have access to a clinical nurse specialist. HMC has since guided all efforts to cultivate a team of Qatar-trained, highly-specialised clinical nurses who will use their skills and expertise in cancer care to provide technical and emotional support, co-ordinate care services and advise patients on clinical as well as practical issues so each of our patients receives the safest, most effective and compassionate care.”
In addition to the eight CNSs who have been offering specialist care to cancer patients within different areas across HMC, the organisation now has a total of 14 fully-qualified nurse specialists to cater to the needs of cancer patients. Additionally, two new CNSs are expected to graduate by mid of this year, and 12 more are currently receiving training at the UCQ.