A Clinical Nurse Specialist is a nurse in clinical practice that has undertaken formal recognised post-registration education relevant to his/her area of specialist practice. This formal education is underpinned by vast experience in the relevant cancer area. The area of speciality is a defined area of nursing practice. It requires the combination of knowledge and skills, which are necessary to improve the quality of client/patient care.

The specialist practice includes a major clinical focus, which comprises assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of care given to patients/clients and their families in hospital, community and outpatient settings. The specialist nurse works closely with the medical team and multi-disciplinary team to ensure the best quality of care for each patient.

The specialist nurse participates in nursing research, audit and acts in an advisory and consultancy capacity for patients, their families. Education for nursing colleagues and the wider multi-disciplinary team is also an important aspect of the nurse’s role. (National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery, 2001)

Here at St. Luke’s Hospital there are Clinical Nurse Specialists in the following areas:

Breast Care x 2 nurses
Lymphoedema x 1 nurse
Palliative Care x 2 nurses
Gynaecological cancers x 1 nurse
Prostate cancer x 1 nurse
Colo-rectal cancers x 1 nurse
Head and Neck Cancers x 1 nurse
Neuro-Oncology (Brain tumours) x 1 nurse

The Clinical Nurse Specialists provide support for the patient and their family throughout treatment and after discharge from St. Lukes if required. They have up to date information regarding treatment, possible side effects and any other problems or issues that may arise.

How to access the Clinical Nurse Specialist Service:

If you would like to be seen by a Clinical Nurse Specialist please contact a member of either your medical or nursing team for referral.

Referrals will be prioritised on receipt based on the information provided.Alternatively please contact St. Lukes Hospital reception on 01 4065000 and request to speak to the Clinical Nurse Specialist required.

Support Groups:

There are regular support groups held for Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer and Brain Tumour Patients.

For further information on when these take place please contact the relevant Clinical Nurse Specialist.