Karen Connolly has been appointed as a Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to provide care and support for mesothelioma (asbestos-related cancer) patients in London.
Karen Connolly cropKaren will be based at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, part of Barts Health NHS Trust in London in a mixed role, dealing with mesothelioma and lung cancer patients. The role has been made possible through funding from the London Asbestos Support Awareness Group (LASAG). She will be supporting mesothelioma patients referred to the Barts Health NHS Trust through their diagnoses and treatment, working with colleagues at other clinical sites across London.
Mesothelioma is a cancer related to exposure to asbestos and predominantly affects the lining of the lungs. The UK has the highest incidence of the disease in the world with around 2,700 people diagnosed each year.
Karen has been a lung cancer nurse for ten years and joins Mesothelioma UK from her previous role at Princess Royal University Hospital, part of the King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Prior to that, she worked for the Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust.
Commenting on her new role, Karen said: “As an experienced lung cancer nurse, I’ve worked with patients diagnosed with mesothelioma and with Clinical Nurse Specialist colleagues, so I have a good understanding of the disease and the support available. In this new position, I’m hoping to play a role in developing the treatment, care and support available for mesothelioma patients and their families, ensuring that they get access to new and effective treatments for their symptoms.”
Head of Nursing for Mesothelioma UK, Leah Taylor added: “We’re delighted to welcome Karen to the Mesothelioma UK network of Clinical Nurse Specialists located around the UK. London is such a key area for the charity in terms of the availability of nurses so to have someone with Karen’s experience and expertise, generously funded by the supporters of the London Asbestos Support Awareness Group, is a really positive development.”
Jodie Bull, Head of Service at London Asbestos Support Awareness Group commented: “We are thrilled to be able to provide funding support for the Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. We work closely with the nurses, consultants and healthcare assistants to ensure that mesothelioma patients are provided with as much quality support as possible. Having worked with Karen in previous nursing roles, we are absolutely delighted to be able to assist her with ongoing support for patients and we very much look forward to working with Karen in her new role.”
