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MSE research nurses in running for national award

Some of the cancer research nursing team at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

Cancer research nurses at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust have been shortlisted for a national award after setting up a vital trial for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The team, based at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, set up and started a trial for patients living with mesothelioma, a type of cancer linked to asbestos exposure that develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body's organs.

Despite the research centre being recommissioned as a treatment room and research nurses being deployed for coronavirus research, thanks to the team’s commitment and leadership, patients were able to take part in the trial. The trial could potentially give patients living with mesothelioma more time with their loved ones.

As a result of their work, the team has been shortlisted in the Excellence in Cancer Research Nursing category in the Royal College of Nursing Awards.

Diane Sarkar, chief nursing officer at the trust, said: “It’s fantastic news that our nurses and teams have been shortlisted for the innovative work that they’ve been doing throughout the pandemic.”

The Royal College of Nursing Awards is the profession’s highest accolade and recognises the hard work and passion nurses put into their day-to-day work. Its acting RCN general secretary, Pat Cullen, said: “These finalists demonstrate the very best in nursing and I am so proud of all of them.”

Some of the cancer research nurses at the trust are pictured.