The University Hospital of Cardiff in Wales have celebrated appointing their very first Cure Leukaemia Research Nurse to help expand their clinical trials portfolio.

We caught up with the new appointment, Zoe, to discuss her exciting appointment and how her role will benefit blood cancer patients across Wales:

Can you give us an overview of your new role?

Being a TAP Nurse at Cardiff and Vale UHB involves a lot of patient communication and contact which takes place in various settings. I am part of Consultant-led patient clinics where both trial and non-trial patients are seen and discussed at length. During these clinics I have am able to listen to all information given by Consultants and be on hand to provide advice or information about trials if required.

Aside from the clinics I provide support for current trial patients throughout every step of their treatment and during any required interventions. I meet with the patient every time they come into the hospital setting and also have phone contact with them. I believe it is crucial to build an open and good rapport.

The other aspect of the role is to collate and input accurate data into the relevant systems so that good quality research data can be gathered.

Why did you want to become a TAP Research Nurse?

I wanted to become a TAP Research Nurse firstly because of the way that these trials can make a difference to the lives of patients and secondly for me to become part of a network of nurses across the UK who all have the same goal in mind. I am passionate about research and the way that it can influence future treatments for our patients and their families and friends.

What did you do previously?

I have had a varied career since qualifying as a registered nurse 12 years ago. I started in Elderly Medical Rehabilitation, then moved onto Trauma Orthopaedics, Community Medicines Team, A&E and Assessment Unit where I became a Deputy Sister. From these roles I decided to branch out into the field of Haematology Research and see a different aspect of nursing which is rewarding in a completely different way.

What do you hope to achieve as a TAP Research Nurse?

My main goal as a TAP Nurse is to provide consistency and information appropriate to patient needs at an appropriate time. I want to be able to alleviate as many stresses on my patients as possible in a time of possible uncertainty for them. I will be the main nursing contact for the patient and the TAP network. My goal is also to promote Cure Leukaemia as a charity and share my enthusiasm of their efforts and commitment so that future trials can be secured.

What trials will you be working on?

The trials I will be working on are STELLAR, PROMISE, VICTOR, FEDORA and PRIZM+.

We look forward to working with Zoe in the future and we are excited to see the progress being made in Cardiff.