"Her kindness and dedication have made this journey so much easier to bear"

A BTH Nurse Specialist was honoured to be recognised at a local awards event – after being nominated by a thankful patient.

Joanne Ashton, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals' Lead Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, was shortlisted at the Fylde Coast Community Awards for the Local Health Care Services Award. 

Joanne has worked at BTH since completing her training in 1999 and has been a Clinical Nurse Specialist for head and neck cancer patients for the past 15 years. 

Her caseload includes managing thyroid cancer patients before and after treatment. These patients are often of a young age with young families who are trying to juggle home and work life alongside complex treatment and severe side effects among other things. 

In the nomination, Joanne’s patient said: “I am now almost two years on from my operation, and Jo has supported me through every step of my journey. She has advocated for me to receive outstanding care, which has completely changed my life. 

“There have been many moments when I’ve said to her, “I can’t do this anymore,” and she has replied, ‘You can — and you will.’ She has helped me rebuild my confidence, and I will be forever grateful to have met her. Jo is a real-life superhero.” 

Joanne said: “I feel I am in a very privileged role to be able to help co-ordinate and smooth their pathway as much as possible and to support our patients to navigate their journey through treatment and follow-up".  

While Joanne did not win the award, which went to local company Right Track Care Agency, she reflected that it was a wonderful night and the feedback from her patient was reward enough itself. 

The Fylde Coast Community Awards are run by the Fylde Coast Kids Foundation and celebrate the achievements of individuals, businesses and community groups across the Fylde Coast.