New cancer service launches to support mesothelioma patients in Northern Ireland
People affected by mesothelioma in Northern Ireland will now have access to improved specialist support with the launch of the new Northern Ireland Regional Mesothelioma Service.
This new regional service is the result of a partnership between Mesothelioma UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, local clinicians and the Rodgers family. It aims to ensure that people living with mesothelioma – a cancer strongly associated with previous exposure to asbestos – receive the best possible treatment, care and support wherever they live in Northern Ireland.
The service will be delivered by nurses, Stephanie Todd and Carol Johnston, jointly fulfilling the role of one Clinical Nurse Specialist, based at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and working across Northern Ireland. The posts have been funded for an initial three years by Macmillan Cancer Support, after which they will be supported by Mesothelioma UK.
Mesothelioma UK’s involvement in Northern Ireland began following contact with the Rodgers family from Newry, Co Down, who lost their father Tony to mesothelioma on New Year’s Day 2022. The family’s tireless fundraising and advocacy inspired this initiative, ensuring others in similar situations can access expert care closer to home.
The Rodgers family said: "We are so thrilled to be at this stage and enormously proud of what has been achieved to date. Having clinical nurse specialists in post here in Northern Ireland will offer a new level of proficiency and support to all current and future mesothelioma patients and their families. We are so grateful to Mesothelioma UK for all their guidance and the gargantuan work that has been happening behind the scenes to get to this point."
Rachel Loughins, Strategic Engagement & Improvement Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We’re immensely proud to be funding two new Clinical Nurse Specialists roles in Northern Ireland, where they can have the greatest impact on local cancer care and support, so that more people with the worst experiences can get the help they need. Together we will do whatever it takes to ensure everyone living with cancer gets the right support for their needs.”
Liz Darlison, Chief Executive at Mesothelioma UK, said: “We are so grateful to the Rodgers family for sharing their story and doing all they can to help others living with mesothelioma in Northern Ireland. It has been a pleasure to work with them, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland to bring this first step to fruition.
“Mesothelioma UK is all about equitable access to the best NHS treatment, support and care available. Our nursing team are pivotal to this, and we look forward to working across NI to raise awareness and reach everyone affected by mesothelioma.”
Moira Kearney, Director of Cancer & Specialist Services at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, said: “Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is delighted to host this new regional service. There has been significant professional engagement and collaboration between Mesothelioma UK, the Public Health Agency, the Northern Ireland Cancer Network, Macmillan Cancer Support and Health and the Social Care Trusts across Northern Ireland.
“We are thrilled to have appointed a Mesothelioma Clinical Nurse Specialist, this full time role is shared jointly by two skilled and dedicated nurses who have been working diligently over the past number of months to establish links with colleagues across Northern Ireland in the development of referral pathways to ensure patients, wherever they live in the province are provided with the same level of support and information following a diagnosis of Mesothelioma.”
The UK has the highest incidence of mesothelioma in the world, with around 2,700 people diagnosed each year. The disease is incurable, but early access to expert nursing and coordinated care can make a significant difference to patients and families.
Until now, there was no dedicated service for mesothelioma patients in Northern Ireland. Through this new regional service, patients and families in Northern Ireland will be able to access specialist clinical advice, emotional support, and practical information, as well as connect with national networks and research opportunities through Mesothelioma UK.
For information, support or just someone to talk to, call the Macmillan Support Line 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm on 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk